[IC] Rise of the Orcs - Red Claw

[boj0]

Ch. 1 - Mice and Cheese

Sandmaze, the name conjured images of back alley deals, marketplaces with bodies crammed like fish in a barrel, gold and water vying for most valuable commodity, and the cacophony of a dozen languages in a hundred dialects in a thousand tones rising above the massive walls that protect the city from raiders and other beasts that roamed the sands.

The city was a point of wonder in the world, even Prumax's divinations could not tell you the history of the oasis, or see passed the massive stone walls. Warlord Urugash has moved from a small raiding party from the east to a major player in the region, carving a chunk of the city out for himself through strength of arms, guile, and bribery. Having abandoned his people's nomadic roots for a consolidated power base in Sandmaze has some questioning his supposed traditionalist positions. Those who know him, know that he is cunning and was able to adapt to working parallel to the humans and effectively own several neighborhoods in the city. He is adapting several of their vices as well, learning how to amass power through smuggling, extortion, and indentured servitude. He is the face of the Orc people in the Maze and those who only know him by reputation know an Orc of industry and hard work, who wears gold and silk and speaks with calm authority. Prumax wishes to know how a former glorified bandit king gathered enough personal power to not only avoid the prophet personally, but remain invisible to his Eye. Prumax has enough on his plate that he will not take the week long boat journey through the Crystal Sea, but has entrusted you, the Red Claw, the grasping hand of the Orcish people to reach out and bring Urugash back into the fold.

After a fairly uneventful week, the captain of The Obsidian Trident, Lurig "Plank Breaker" of the Grey Wave armada has informed the crew that they will be reaching port, about a days travel from Sandmaze main gate, shortly. You are to be accompanied by Elric Jovier, a half-breed who is a native of Sandmaze; he will act as your man about town, his local knowledge will help make sure that things don't turn into a bloodbath the second you enter the gates.

On the main deck of the ship, the Red Claw stands ready for the ship to drop anchor; Elric steps away from a conversation with the ship's purser, Daigo, and boatswain, Voss, he has striking features for a half-orc, bright green eyes, and a thick beard of raven black hair. He is wearing loose garments of a very expensive material (as he would be quick to point out) that make him look bulkier than his thin blood heritage would suggest. "Brothers, I bear fortunate news! We have been granted a portion of the ships coffers to assist in making a meeting with the good Warlord Urugash; shame I will not have time to show you the famous Sandmaze bazaar, but business is at hand."

To make a point, he ends his sentence with a flourish to the horizon where the Port of Silk and Hope is beginning to come into view.

You have roughly two hours before the crew is ready for departure. The crew is well rested (all spells and per day abilities are ready), it is late afternoon. The group purse has an extra 500 gp in assorted coins and goods to ease your way into town.

Your actions?


Red Claw - Sonofzeal (Lok), J-H (Shanlagar Spellbreaker), NinjaTBB (Thosh the Flamewaden), seanfall (Gerth Marroweater), Chimaera (Urug Pointystick)
Auxilary - Elric Jovier, translator and tour guide
The Obsidian Trident (Transport, and "home base") - Cpt. Lurig, Daigo, Voss

[Seanfall]

Gerth stands near the ships prow, arms folded over his chest. He looks at the city with a sneer and a growl. He'd passed through a few cities on his journey's none were as large as this one appeared to be. He turns towards Elric, adjusting the strap holding his sword across his back. "Good, I'm eager to learn how this Warlord managed to avoid Prumax's eye." He cracks his neck and moves away from the Prow double checking the bag on his hip. A bag filled with all of his possessions.

A green arm disappears up the wrist, then the elbow as he rummages around the extra-dimensional bag. "I'll be grateful for being on dry land as well." His arm reappears, and nods satisfied he has all he needs. He's of course bedecked in the usual assortment of bones and skulls he wears.

[sonofzeal]

"Down, down yonder, where the handle pans
In bowls of dust and throats of sand

With stammer jaws and hands of gauze and rust
They beg for a gool ol' song like a dog for crust

"Master, master, revive us a tale
Of the dandy ol' harvester what done lived in the vale
Oh, please, won'tcha, won'tcha, master, master, turn back the page
When the land was plum an' green and we got 'shine and wage?
Yes, we got 'shine and wage'..."

Grey eyes gazed impassively at the city decadence. Lôk had known cities like this before, drank from their taverns, partaken of their pleasures.

Filth.

This stage of mission must needs be brief, or Lôk would need to find himself something to kill, and that would likely complicate things.

He stood, then, nodding towards Gerth. Though he had learned a distrust of mind-magics, the bone-clad orc had impressed him as a capable hand and noble spirit. He surveyed the others as well - mighty Urug, youngest of the group but already battle-proven; the shaman Thosh, whose fires could set even cinders ablaze; and strange Shanlagar with his battlethrall companion. Each powerful and skilled, but only time would tell if they could function as a team.

And this Elric Jovier. An unknown. A halfbreed, bearing a human name. A local. Well-dressed, in a city of thieves.

Urugash's lackey if ever there was one.

Why would a lackey escort a band of hardened killers, armed to the teeth, straight to his boss's bosom? Or rather... what would Urugash wish be done with a group like this, sent to bring him to heel? Trust was not a vice Lôk could afford. And to set a single foot into the Maze under the false guidance of a snake was to invite catastrophe. Still, an open challenge may bear little fruit.

A subtle approach, then.

Lôk stepped up to him, easily and comfortably, as if they were friends, and put his hand on the half-breed's shoulder. "A shame, yes. Your city must have many glorious sights. But tell me, Elric, as a native of Sandmaze, what do you make of the Thunderboar's crusade? And what do the others here think?"

Whatever he says, Sense Motive [roll0]

[boj0]

Elric: "Lord, I am very proud to assist the prophet. 9 years ago, when I was just a child, emissaries from the Thunderboar tribe came to the port that I was living in: they had a power about them, more than just muscle and iron, they commanded respect. My father, who was a drunken, godless, fool of a man, noticed me looking at them in admiration." He looks off at the port growing larger in the distance. "He told me that no Orc could be so awe-inspiring, and that my mother had left me in the sun too long before giving me a strike to the head. One of the Orcs overheard him and confronted him, the Thunderboar looked at my father and said 'You strike the welp because you fear the blood in him, but you are wrong, I have met an Orc who would bend any human lord to their knees, and I will do worse to any man who thinks that there isn't.' The look on my father's face was priceless."

The grin on Elric's face breaks apart his beard, showing the smaller fangs he has. "From that day on, I was never again ashamed of the blood my mother gifted me. After my father died from his drinking a year later, I traveld a bit before coming back to Sandmaze two years ago, and as fate would have it I came across the good captain Lurig who had one of chief Aratosh Thunderboar's men aboard. I demanded the chance to repay the favor I had been granted, and the rest is history."

"I cannot speak for the other Orcs in Sandmaze, but I the word around is they feel similar about Urugash, he made 'Orc' more than a word the Mazers would throw at bandits. They live in saftey and comfort, and all are proud of their heritage. I guarantee we shall find allies for the crusade here, however we must first determine what they think they will give up to help. Urugash does not control the whole city, and he doesn't even command all the Orcs; if he will not aid us, we can find others. There is mystery in Sandmaze, they say the entire city was once cloaked in an illusion like a mirage, whatever is true, there must be something that keeps Urugash, a touted champion of Orcs, from throwing in with the rest of the crusade."

Elric has a fire in his belly and a shine in his eyes speaking about the crusade, you believe he is loyal to the cause.

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh gazes out toward the city, absentmindedly flicking a small ember of flame around in his hands. He'd heard of this marvelous city from travelers and despite their liberal exaggerations the place still held up to expectations. At least, from afar. Much like people, cities tended to have their greatest display on the outside, keeping the dark secrets concealed within. Thosh hoped this would not be the case, a nice simple diplomatic mission would be welcome.

He turns back around and surveys the crew making their preparations for docking. Though he knew it not his duty, he kept an eye out to ensure the process went smoothly. Having spent nearly his whole life on the seas he could practically dock a boat himself. Or so he thought, in truth this vessel was much larger than any craft he'd ever sailed back in his tiny village. Nevertheless, an extra pair of eyes could not hurt.

Thosh uses his knowledge of sailing to keep tabs on the crew and ensure nothing is overlooked [roll0]

[boj0]

Voss appreciates the extra help, "I can smell the salt in your blood, glad to see we get to sail with the best of them."

Your high score ensures that no important tasks were missed, and a few small issues were corrected. The boatswain seems upset that you'll be spending most of the shore leave in the city proper, but offers to buy you a bottle of liquor when they drop anchor.

[Seanfall]

"Complacency." Gerth gave as an answer to Elric's Words. He looks back at the Half-Blood. "That's my assumption. I hope I'm wrong, perhaps he's embroiled in a plot to take over the city. Or he's being kept from entering the crusade by another force." The Orc shook his head. "Pointless 'what ifs' for now. We won't know till we meet with the Warlord." Gerth watched as Thosh aided the Sailors.

"....Orcs weren't meant to be at sea." He mumbled, avoiding looking at the churning waves.

[Chimaera]

Urug spent most of the time quiet when they were sailing to the Sandmaze as he wasnt used to the dancing horizon and more than once fed the fishes with what once was in his belly.

The fact that he lost balance every time he tried to train made the travel even more annoying, so as the city begin to appear beyond them, he was more than happy.

"Tell me, half-man", Urug speaks up to Elric, "What kind of people live in this fabled city? Orcs, humans and what else?"

[boj0]

Elric: "Well sir, as I said, the majority of the population is human, with a growing Orc presence, and there is also a district or two ran by the Halfling caravans that travel across the sands."

"Among the various people there, most throw in with either their families or whatever merchant they work for, with a few working for whatever criminal organization promises the most power. The law of Sandmaze is made by whoever can enforce it. Laws and customs can change between alleys, and order is kept by paid thugs, mercenaries, and merchant guards."

"Various guilds and artisans ply their trade, but no one person can claim to be in charge. Such as it has been since the earliest records in Sandmaze."

[Chimaera]

"A city ruled by gold then. I see...", Urug look at the city as it comes close and once it's close enough, ask for a sailor to help him wear his full plate. Not wanting to walk unarmored in a city of thugs, but also affraid to sink like a rock while on the ship, so now that it's close enough he is more than ready to wear it back.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk nods again towards Urug and moves to help him with the armor. "Yes. Time for us to gird our loins for battle."

He looked around the rest of them. "This place is a strange forest when the moon is full, the crest of waves near rocky shores. Unknown danger lies before us and around us. When we travel, I am the walker before - not because I am greatest, but because my eyes are sharpest and my armor is toughest. Urug, if you are willing, you are the walker behind, the shield at our backs and the lance over our shoulders. Shanlagar, though you are eldest, your hide is tough and your beast is ready for battle; you have right to claim the center if you wish it, but you may best hold the right flank to Thosh's center. Thosh, if Shanlagar agrees, you can use the center to turn your infernos in all directions that would strike at us. And Gerth, from the left you can move quickly to both front and rear, charging to meet our enemies where they stand. We are the shield, you are the spear.

"We are not here to war with Sandmaze. There is no glory to find here, and blood spilt on these sands is wasted. We are not here to kill, and our hunt is one of words and gold, not steel and bone. But believe me when I say that this city will test our strength and consume us if we are unworthy. We must be vigilant, a grindstone upon which our foes will be dashed. We will not start a fight, but if one finds us then we will end it, quickly and thoroughly. We are Orc. Urugash will join us. Death comes swiftly to those who stand against us.

"So tell me, o hands of Prumax in these distant lands, are you prepared for the hunt?"

[Chimaera]

"I'm always ready to live and die for Gruumsh", Urug says as he finish putting his heavy armor, thanks to Lôk, "Thanks for the help. I'll gladly be our rear guard as this armor isnt suited for stealth moves".

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh joins up with the rest of the group "Shanlagar allowing, it is my honor to take the center position." A quick spark of flame lights up his face. "For Gruumsh, for Prumax, and for the elves to get what's coming to 'em."

[Seanfall]

"I agree to take the left." The Orc looked around to the others. Their was no doubt this group was fierce, 'Red Claw' more like a mailed fist. Not that he minded, the Marroweater found often that talking went nowhere.

[boj0]

As the Red Claw, the clawed hand of the Orcs, make preparations for combat of both steel and words, the ships navigator, Marr, calls out that Port of Silk and Hope shall be reached in less than an hour. From there the crew will be taking shore leave and restocking while the Red Claw takes the day journey to Sandmaze. The trip is well traveled, however, one must always be wary of bandits and thieves in a land with no ruler.

[Seanfall]

Gerth kept his eyes off the churning sea lest he too lose his lunch, and considering how tender that meat was he didn't want it to go to waist. So Instead he speaks to Lok. "What do you think the Black Spear are doing? They had a mission involving Dwarves or something right? Because that's what we need. Antagonizing an ancient enemy while we prep to make war with another one..." He let out a long suffering sigh, "Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll pull out an alliance with a race the Dwarves hate...the Kobolds or Giants for instance....or at the very least we'll be able to make coats out of Dwarf beards for the winter." He snickered at that last part.

[sonofzeal]

To Gerth: "The dwarves bear no love for elvenkind either. And dwarves are not like humans - they can be reasoned with, and predicted. It is not a mission without hope. But as you yourself said, pointless 'what ifs' for now. Breath is wasted when possibilities are without number."

[boj0]

As the Obsidian Trident makes its way to the dock, there is an excitement, an electricity in the air. The crew is more than ready to spend an indefinite amount of time drinking and getting into trouble in port, the captain is more than happy to be earning the prophet's favor while making, effectively, a supply run; and the Red Claw, buzzing with possibility and power, two major catalysts in the cauldron that is Sandmaze.

The ship drops anchor and the hands are quick to get to work, tying things down, loading and unloading, Daigo giving out pay, while Voss is barking orders to those who are still working; as the ramps are locked in to meet the dock, and the anchor double-and-triple-checked, the shore leave crew is first to leave, some literally diving into the water to cool down.

The area around the docks is bustling, voices and movement are everywhere; as Elric follows the group down he walks with his arms stretched out, "Well, here we are brothers! Good to be back on solid ground, yes? This is Silk and Hope, first step on the path to Sandmaze, I assume that you were given enough supplies for the trip," he mentions, throwing his own sack over his shoulder, "but if you need anything such as water or rations, make a quick trade at one of the market stands. I emphasize quickly, for there is much walking between here and the city, and I would like to have a bit of it covered before we have to break for camp."

This is a bit of chance to finalize any miscellaneous gear your character needs, assume that most mundane gear is available as well as weapons and armor of up to masterwork quality (with exception). If you do buy any gear here, it has styles and designs from all over, as this is a decent sized trading town. Clothing tends to be lightweight and breezy, while most armor tends to be on the light to medium scale (for heavy armor, or exotic weapons, roll d100 and on 75+ it should be available; alchemical items are available at a 15% mark-up).

[J-H]

Shanlagar

As they approach, Shanlagar looks at the other ships to see what forces might interfere if they needed to make a quick trip by ocean. The relatively thin and unarmored orc, with his fine clothes and glowing eyes, appears less menacing than his dinosaur companion.

As he walks down the gangplank, Dino pauses at the top of the ramp and simply leaps across to the shore, landing with a thump that's punctuated with a pair of clacks as the deinonychus' large foreclaws click against the pier.

"I have all I need, and some funds left to cover anything that comes up. Let us see what addles the one we seek. I doubt our coming will remain secret for long."

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh picks up his single pack and securely fastens it to himself. He turns and approaches Voss "They're always so quick to get to shore, eh? I must say I'm impressed with your ability to handle such..." he pauses to consider his verbiage "...robust, folks." He let's out a quick chuckle. "Anyway, I was wondering if I could take you up on that offer for a bottle? My troop and I have quite the journey ahead and, let's face it, no better way to raise the spirits than with spirits." He goes to rejoin with the rest of the Red Claw. "If not, no worries, 'twas a pleasure watching you and your crew work."

He makes his way down the gangplank and onto the solid pier. After but a moment of instability his land legs return and he moves out of the way of the crew going to and from the vessel. Needing nothing, he passes by the traders and waits with Elric. As he awaits the rest of his group, he relaxes into a habitual state of flickering flames among his fingertips.

[boj0]

Voss: "Shame that you're going in such a hurry, but I figured since your short on time, I grabbed somethin' outta the purser's stash, he'll be a bit sore, but you did a good job. The time you saved got these boys ofa the boat that much quicker, which is why they seem so...upbeat."

He hands you a sealed bottle of Dragon's Breath 1017, apparently a vintage liquor with a bit of a kick.

[Seanfall]

Gerth is careful not to rush off the gangplank onto solid land. He makes himself walk in step with the other members of the Black Claw. "I have what I need as well. Other then spirits, but I need my mind clear." Once he's finally completely off the ship he mentally relaxes. Not gonna drown, not gonna drown.

[Chimaera]

Every clanky step into the gangplank bended it in a way that Urug was sure the sailors were making bets to see if the heavy armored and always seasick orc would go meet the fishes he fed so many times in the deep of the sea. But the gangplank proved strong enough, which make Urug very happy. Happy isnt a good word to describe him, but was close enough.

"I need nothing else and I dont think spirits will help me keep whatever is left in me belly", he says but after a second thought he shrug off and chance his mind, "Well, survived this trip so what is a bottle of liquor aggainst this damned sea?"

He then slowly follow the others and buy himself a few bothers of their exotic liquors.

[boj0]

Elric laughs at the upbeat change of attitude in Urug, he points out a place where you can purchase spirits from just about any port in the known world.

Just use the PHB for costs of fine bottles of wine (10gp)

[sonofzeal]

Lôk accepts the Dragon's Breath, and stores it in his pack next to the Icebrine Fire Vodka he'd brought himself, careful to tuck some papers between them. With spirits like these, it pays to treat them with respect.

"I will go with you, Urug. But buy quickly, and watch your purse strings."

There's always some guttersnipes in any port, and a liquer store is just where the best marks would be. If any get within 10' of us, Lôk will growl at them and hopefully they'll take the hint.

[boj0]

The size and demeanour of the two Orcs finds them difficult for urchins and cutpurses to approach safely, you may make purchases unmolested.

[Seanfall]

Gerth keeps pace with the other two staying, as he was bade, to the left. At one point smiling smugly to a few 'urchins' and street rats. Keeping them at bay, "Why are their so many children here?" He spoke in his native tongue. "I don't know about yours but in my clan any orphan child is put to work or trained for a craft by those without offspring. The other races will learn much from us." Still as he gazes at the lost and forlorn he feels something other then contempt. Empathy, pragmatism, a dirty word keeps him from just handing out gold or food. As it would likely make the recipient a target for others.

And that makes his blood boil. He hated the idea that helping those who needed it would only cause more pain. They could be put to better use, he thinks. Working in the fields, training for combat. ANYTHING! Anything but rotting in the streets. "....I already hate this place."

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"It is a wonder the one we seek does tolerate it. I like this place not. It stinks. Our stay here will, I hope, be short." Dino minces along behind him; none of the urchins or pickpockets come very close to him thanks to the presence of the fierce beast.

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh catches up with the rest of his group, moving to the center he was assigned. "I second that notion. But Prumax clearly sees some use here." He glances ahead at the city and briefly frowns. "Let's not delay then, the sooner we accomplish this the sooner we can get to slitting elven throats."

[Chimaera]

Once done buying two bottle of wine, Urug is done shopping.

"Let's go meet this orc who is escaping Prumax's call".

If there is any carriage service to take them, Urug will be more than happy to suggest them to take it so that he doesnt have to take too long in the city.

[boj0]

Elric knows of a Halfling caravan that would be willing to carry such a hardened crew of Orcs, they might charge a bit extra due to numbers...and a dinosaur that might eat them.

The caravan would be able to get you to Sandwatch in about half the time since they wouldn't need to stop and break camp. It will cost 3 gp to pay for the transit, due to the numbers involved in the caravan, and the fact that the Red Claw looks very intimidating, you are also less likely to be stopped by any highwaymen on your way there.

[Chimaera]

"Deal", Urug says paying the halflings and get.into the carriage.

[sonofzeal]

"Agreed." Lôk pays the caravan, and situates himself where he can keep a good eye out for what's ahead.

[Chimaera]

"So, tell me", Urug begin to speak with the others while their wagon was slowly crawling to Sandmaze, "I believe you're all skilled in whatever each of you does, beign chosen by Prumax. But what can you do? Should we enter into a combat, maybe knowing what each other is capable of seems a good plan".

He waits for the others to speak before adding, "I'm a mageslayer servant of Gruumsh and I favor polearms for combat, which is why my clan is knew as Pointystick. Also, I worked as a bodyguard for my warchief so I can protect those who arent armored enough to fight the elves. The blessings of Gruumsh makes my enemies tremble in fear, specially arcanists".

Urug always speak on Orchish unless he really need to be understood.

[J-H]

Shanlagar

The middle-aged orc speaks, his gray-tinted dreadlocks swaying with the wagon's motion. "I am called Spellbreaker because I keep the magicks of our foes from harming us, while using mine to weaken enemy shamans and wizards. I also carry this runestaff, which helps make our warriors stronger and faster in battle. You young ones can do all of the running around; I have Dino to help keep me safe."

Outside the wagon, his dinosaur keeps pace, occasionally staring at the oxen pulling the wagon with a hungry look in its eye.

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh takes a deep breath of the dry desert air. "Similarly, in my village I was known as the Flamewarden for my mastery over fire. I do practice in the other base elements, earth, water, wood, and metal; but fire is my passion. A passion I look forward to employing against the elven cities and forests." he chuckles as a burst of flame rises out of his hand for emphasis.

[Seanfall]

"I'm not sure what to term my talents." Gerth looks unsure as he speaks, he's not used to talking about his powers. "Their like magic...but their formed in the mind. Psychic abilities, but all turned towards combat. I have a few tricks. I can look forward in instant to see where an attack comes from or when a moment to strike will come, I can shift my body to strengthen myself in a number of ways. If I focus I can even heal myself."

The Marroweater reaches into his back and removes a lamb bone from a meal on the ship. Snaps it in two and true to his name starts snacking on the Marrow inside. "One of the more useful ones....Dimension Swap, I think it was termed. I can switch positions with one of my allies. It doesn't work on enemies. Something about 'hostile intent'." Gerth shrugs, breaking the bones and eating them in turn. It's clear the bone was boiled before he chose to eat it. "I can also...spit an amount of acid, reinforce myself with a psychic barrier and empower my blade to drink the life of my foe. Black Fang is forged from Deep Crystal I can charge it with psychic power and it's enchanted to better parry and block."

Again he reaches into his bag and pulls out an unstrung bow. "Oh and I have a bow too...not a crack shot but I manage."

[sonofzeal]

"Once I was a warrior, a vanguard, standing at the lead, taking blows for my allies and returning pain on those who'd pursue my allies. But the bloodlust has turned to bitterness in my mouth." Lôk shakes his head. "I am Chieftain, not by choice but by fate. Each of you are strong, but by my word you are stronger. Your feet will be swifter, your wounds will knit, your blades will strike true - and when I cry Armageddon, none may stand before you. When our enemies stand before us, those that delay for my signal will find victory waiting for them."

Lôk's group buffing is... kind of ridiculous, depending on how many resources he chooses to pump into it. Depending on initiative orders, delaying your turn until Lôk's gone may be worthwhile.

That said, a good Orcish Chieftain needs to be able to command respect on the battlefield, so Lôk's melee power is pretty solid and his AC is, by a significant margin, the best in the party. He ain't no nancy bard who prances around with a rapier and dies to a stiff breeze.

[boj0]

Tales of mighty exploits, laughter, silence, sleeping, eating, waiting, and finally the gate comes into view.

The caravan master cries out in Common, "Sandmaze in about 15, make sure you wake anyone up and get your things together."

You see the walls of the city grow as they get into a closer view, the bustle of the people start at the gate; getting in, getting out, selling wares and preaching to the heavens.

Elric perks up as the wagon comes to a stop, he is first off and waits for everyone to gather round. "Here we are brothers! Now stay close and keep a hand on your coin. Through this gate we shall head through the Kalamar district, run by the Guild of Potters, Tanners, and Carpenters. They have a hefty amount of financial clout and are able to keep order in their territory, as such we shall need to keep our weapons sheathed unless absolutely necessary. There is a shop where we can gather information on reaching Urugash. If things get dangerous..." he has a wolfish grin on his face looking around at the Red Claw. "We do not let anything impede our holy objective."

With a flair, he turns and leads you through the gate.
Those among you with skill in magic or psionics, notice something...odd when passing through the massive gate, a taste of copper in your mouth and a pressure in your ears. This feeling passes almost instantaneously, but just long enough to notice.
That sensation is easily dwarfed by the sheer size of Sandmaze; even though this is apparently is only a single district, the number of people and shops is mind boggling. Goods and meterials of shapes, colors, and styles from all over. Sights and smells that entice and repulse.
Elric shouts over the city's hum, "Welcome to Sandmaze!"

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"What was that...magic wards on the city?"


Spellcraft [roll0]

[boj0]

It has to be some kind of warp in the veil between the arcane and reality, something went very wrong here sometime in the past

[Seanfall]

Gerth licked his lips and looked up at the gate as they passed. "Hmmmm...I'm not well versed in the Arcane but it felt like magic." He once again takes up the left position in their group. Keeping his bag of holding to the right, so that it's in an inconvenient location for would be pickpockets. "And the Nature of this shop?" he asks Elric.

[boj0]

Elric: "If nothing has changed since the last time I was here, then it should be a shop of trinkets and curious. The owner, Jack Couran, keeps his ear to the ground and should let us know how to get an audience with the good warlord."

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"No, it's not active magic. It's...something old, very old. This place was not always as it is now, and can never be fixed. With luck, it won't interfere with our magics.

Maybe this merchant will know more."

[Seanfall]

"Oh yes, I'm sure that the old Magic laid down in a city in which several members of a world changing crusade have just entered will have no effect on our duties." His words were dripping so much sarcasm he had to spit. "It's not a matter of 'if' Shanlagar. But merely when." Gerth was somewhat speaking from experience. In his journey hes noticed various patterns, how some small detail can mean the world later. It's a guess on his part but an educated one.

"Trinkets and Curios hmmm?" Gerth wonders if the Merchant will have anything attuned to psychic talents.

[sonofzeal]

"Agreed, Gerth." Lôk nods in his direction, then to the group. "Be wary of magical effects working other than as intended."

[boj0]

Elric leads the group through various streets and neighborhoods; packed with street urchins, merchants, mercenaries, wealthy investors, adventurers, and more.
After what seems like a dozen minutes of winding through the aptly named Sandmaze, Elric stops in a small market square, the general calm and quiet is almost jarring after the trek to get here.
The square is secluded, tucked away between other shops and buildings, a fountain sits in the middle, some small wonder in a city in a sea of sand. Elric approaches a door with several bone and metal charms hanging as a sort of wind chime.

"Here we are, let's hope someone is home."

[Chimaera]

Urug knocks at the door with a mailed fist and wait to see if thre is indeed people inside.

[boj0]

After a few moments, you hear some clanging around the interior before a few locks turn at the door, a heavy vreaking noise is accompanied by a bald, middle-aged, male human.

He looks around at the group of Orcs at his door, "Can I help you?" He asks
Elric answers, "Mister Couran, it is I, Elric Jovier; I have come to collect on a favor you owe me."

Jack Couran looks a bit startled, but seeing the company Elric has, decides against delaying, "Come in my boy, I figured you would have the sense to collect before I get myself killed out here."

The shopkeeper invites everyone in, to those unfamiliar with Sandmaze the store seems jumbled and haphazard, but a keen eye would show lots of junk near the doors and the shiny bits all easy to keep an eye on. The dry air is cooled in the shade of the building and the smell of spices and wood permeates everything.

Standing in a semi-cirlce, Elric asks Jack how to get an audience with Urugash.

"Well, Urugash is seen in public often enough, but only with a dozen or so guards ad servents around, so finding him wouldn't be hard, but getting his attention without resorting to violence will be tricky. He is fairly private on the matter, but it is believed his residence is near the East Wall, a hidden jewel in the slums of that neighborhood. Otherwise, he is known to patron the Purple Cloud, a den of leisure and opulence, it is heavily guarded by the propieter, who owns a substantial amount of the district it is in, but the muscle there doesn't belong to Urugash."

He looks around, hoping that his information is worth it to the half dozen Orcs in his very fragile shop.

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"Tell us about him. Who does he serve?" The question is not a request.

[Seanfall]

Gerth was listening but he was also walking around the shop. Picking up the odd item here and there, but avoiding anything that looks easily breakable. Several things that smell of spice he lifts to his nose, a few he snorts at the smell overpowering. "I was hoping for a better description of the Orc himself. What armaments he might have, clan markings those sorts of things." He spoke casually as he moved finally turning towards the shops owner.

"Do you have any wares here made of crystal?"

[boj0]

"Well good sirs, he quite simply, serves himself. He isn't the most influence person in the Maze, but he has made quite a name for himself trading "protection" services, but really, he is a puffed up mobster who runs drugs and weapons to ports with stricter regulations."

He clears his throat and sips some overly sweet-smelling alcohol.

"I've seen him once or twice, around the markets before he became his current, self-obsessed...uh, self. He traveled with remains of his tattered raiding group, the Scorpion Brothers, before they ran afoul some monster out in the sands. Beaten, they came here for supplies, and Urugash, the way he tells it, managed to stop a merchant from being robbed blind. Ironic, no? He says that is how he managed to start making connections in the city and show that Orcs could be trusted to live here in mass. What probably happened is he broke some street rat's fingers for trying to rob the merchant before he could." Most of the local Orcs see him as some great protector, who makes sure they live well."

"To answer your other question, he is of a stockier build than most Orcs in the desert, he has a jovial look in his eyes, what he finds so amusing, I dare not guess. His personal retinue tend to wear the gilded scorpion he was fond of since his youth. He himself wears whatever clothing is most fashionable, but always armed with a massive Falchion, possibly enchanted with some arcane force. Just to remind people that he comes from a violent background and he can back up his words. Other than that, it has been a year or two since I've seen him personally and couldn't give a more accurate description."

Despite rambling on about most everything, Jack is quick to smile at the question of crystals. "Ah yes, my dear friend, please tell me how I can assist you? I have trinkets and charms that you can't find this easily anywhere else."

[sonofzeal]

One of the Scorpion Brothers. Useful.

"Tell me, human, what wares do you have that bear the image or shape of a scorpion?"

[Seanfall]

"I'm looking for specific crystals and gems, things that resonate like the crystal of my sword. However lets finish our conversation about Urugash first." Gerth was thinking about that name 'Scorpion Brothers'. Did they use that name because it sounded tough, or did they actually use poison like the creature they took the name from?

[boj0]

"Ah, I have several items that carry such heraldry!"

He makes a dash to a back room and you every every type of container open as he shuffles through various junk and treasures, he returns with arms full.

"Now, the Scorpion Brothers favored the colors of the Red Barb Scorpion they took their name from, as well as a poison they sometimes used in combat. Granted, they couldn't use very much as the creatures themselves only produce so much at a time as well as the venom losing potency quickly when left exposed to open air for too long, oh look at me rambling again! As I was saying, the colors of the old group was black, brown, and red. Drab, but simple enough to make with natural materials. Let's see... ah ha!"

He pulls out a few different sashes, tabards, cloaks, and vests with the correct color scheme; as well as an old shield with a scorpion painted on in a chalky white.

"I may also have a few various pins and clasps if you'll permit me time to look."

[sonofzeal]

"The shield. How much?"

[Seanfall]

Gerth stepped up to where the peddler was piling his wears then turned back to Lok. "Oooh....I see what your thinking." He cupped his chin scratching his beard as he considered the fledgling plan. "I'm guessing your thinking of claiming we're from a group still outside the city?"

[sonofzeal]

Lôk shakes his head. "Hardly. Such deception is beneath our dignity, and easy prey to unseen pitfalls. What do we know of life here? Why would he not have heard of us? No, instead I wish to remind him of blood and steel and conquest, of his life before he became cityfolk. All the better if this shield dates to those days, if it was carried by one of his fallen brothers, but it will draw his mind there regardless. It is time for him to pick up shield and spear again, so I will honor the martial strength of the Scorpion Brothers with this warrior's gift, and thus cause him to shame their memories if he chooses peace and comfort over our great crusade."

[boj0]

Waiting for the chieftain's words to finish resonating, Jack tells the Red Claw what he knows of the shield.

It is from the Scorpion Brothers, from before Urugash took control of the tribe from the late Bo-Gruh Skullsplitter, his father.

The other trinkets are simply in the form of the scorpion, but have no greater importance.

"I could sell you this shield for a modest 4,600 gold or comparable goods, this shield is not just emblazoned with the scorpion, but is also ripe with magic and can turn a blade better than any slab of metal."

[sonofzeal]

"A fair price for a well-enchanted shield, but more than I have on hand. A shame, but I may return for it if opportunity presents." Lôk turns to leave.

By my count, that's more than the spare gold of the entire party at the moment, so unless someone's got a good barter to suggest (and I don't think we have any shield users) let's shelve it for now.

[NinjaTBB]

"Ah brilliant plan Lôk, unfortunately we may need to find more inexpensive tokens." Thosh darts his eyes over the shopkeepers possessions finding none worthy of his time or gold. "Thank you for the information shopkeep, but we do have duties to attend to."

[boj0]

Listen
Lok: [roll0]
Gerth: [roll1]
Urug: [roll2]
Thosh: [roll3]
Shanlagar: [roll4]



11+ You hear a commotion outside
13+ Possibly 5 or more people
15+ The tone in the voices is angry

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"I hear shouting outside - several angry people. I'm not sure what language they are speaking in. We do not want to draw attention, but if we are attacked, kill them all." Shanlagar smiles with a bloodthirsty grin.

[Chimaera]

"Let me check whatbthis fuzz is all about", Urug walk to the door and open to see what's going on.

[boj0]

As soon as Shanlagar mentions the shouting, Jack starts putting a few items back behind the counter.

Elric places a hand on his sword and stands next to the doorway and gives Urug a nod as he opens the door.

Outside there appear to be about a dozen men, Orcs and humans are hanging around the fountain, dressed in various shades of dark purple and blue. One of these thugs, a large built human is holding a local man's wet head over the water, "Tell me where they went or I shall see how long you can hold your breath worm."

As Pointystick opens the door, a few of the various people look over, "Darzi, I think we found them." one of the men taps the large man on the shoulder.

He lets the local man drop against the stone of the fountain, "You, you're the Orcs that just come into to town? You lot are new players? Fresh blood for Urugash to make another play against us?"

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

To the shopkeeper: "These men, they have given you trouble before. Perhaps we can perform a service."

Without waiting for confirmation, he strides out, furs flapping around his legs and glaive in his left hand, tip pointing towards the dust. "Yes. You have found us, though you may soon wish otherwise." With steady steps, he continues advancing on the leader. "Had you neglected us, we would have come and gone in peace. And, norns willing, would have brought Urugash back with us, leaving you one less foe in the city."

The armored orc stops, commanding the middle of the street. "But now we know your name, Darzi, and now you have made yourself our concern. So tell us, oh Drazi of the Sandmaze, what kind of man you are and why we should not make gift to Urugash of your head upon my glaive?"

Ready action to attack any thug that moves aggressively in our direction (within 10' reach, of course)

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh goes to follow Lôk out of the shop and turns to the shopkeeper "Like I said, duties to attend to." a sly grin forming on his face.

As he reaches the outside he steps to the side and leans against the exterior wall of the building, carefully studying those adorned in purples and blues, determining the best location to strike should things go sour.

If Thosh is within 30 feet of the group of enemies he readies (an enemy attacks) a fiery burst (5 ft burst) on a location that will hit as many enemies as possible without harming civilians.

If not, he will simply delay his actions until the first aggressor attacks.

[boj0]

I'll give a bit of time to see if anyone else has any actions they want to take before things happen. I'll have a grid up later today once I get to my computer (mobile posting right now) and then we can have a good old combat (or diplomacy)

[J-H]

Shanlagar follows the others out, staying on the porch of the shop with Dino by his side. He prepares to cast a spell on the first foe to make a hostile move.


I am assuming none of the enemies look like spellcasters, since none were described.

Readied action to cast Phantasmal Killer, Will DC 19 to disbelieve; Fort DC 19 to avoid dropping dead. If the target makes the Fort save, it still takes [roll0] damage.

If anyone wants to make an intimidate check, consider "made someone drop dead of fear" a circumstance bonus if successful... :)

[Chimaera]

"I guess my clank-clanky armor may have given away where we were", Urug says and look at the thugs, "Who the hell are you guys and why do you care who we are?"

Urug takes his glaive and crack his necks.

"I've been stuck into a ship for a long time, so answer politely and you my keep your head".

[boj0]

http://i.imgur.com/FMIBw1p.jpg* Gerth, Elric, and Jack are still in the shop

Leader: "We are simply representatives of an interested thrid party who very much would like to know why a large group of heavily armed individuals, Orcs especially, would come to this particular market, if not to see this curio dealer and grab another trinket for Urugash? We know that he talks at great length about helping out his fellow Orcs, but he's cutting into our employer's business doing so. If you boys aren't working for him, you still seem to know a bit about him, and your foolish threats to kill us for his favor seem to me that, either way, you are on the wrong side of this conflict; and our numbers here seem to agree with me."

Elric: (whispering to those by the door) "These men look to be thugs in the employ of the Midnight Web, a guild of merchants and caravans who have taken a loss in profits to Urugash's expansion in the city."

Leader: "Now you can all come out of there and take a little walk with us, or me and my boys will burn that shop down with you in it!"


**And if everyone wants to give me an initiative roll to be on the safe side that would be swell

[J-H]

Init [roll0] including nerveskitter

Given that we're right next to the thugs, I'll change Shanlagar's readied action to a Glitterdust centered at the H8:I9 intersection; it hits the leader and four thugs. Will DC17 or blind.

Dino has a readied action to step in front of anyone attacking/charging Shanlagar and attack them (5' step + attack, since there's not room for a counter-charge).

[Chimaera]

"You'll be twice as much as you are now when we cut you all in half and even so that superiority in numbers will be for naught", Urug says and step out of the shop.

[roll0]

[Seanfall]

Gerth drew his massive blade from his back and stepped out of the shop taking up position next to Pointystick. "A shame, I make a point not to wear the bones of my own...Though hmmm." Gerth pointed his blade to the largest of the group of thugs. "YOU! I'm gonna make a vest out of your ribcage."



[roll0] Initiative.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk



"Stand your ground, this is what we are fighting for
For our spirit and laws and ways
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war
For heaven or hell we shall not wait"
(link (https://youtu.be/brWdlQfkha4?t=2m48s))

Initiative: [roll0]

Activating Bardic Music (7/8 left) as a Swift action (via Song of White Raven), and using a charge from the Badge of Valor (2/3 left) to boost it. We all get +4 attack / +4 damage, for as long as I sing and five rounds after that.

Still taking a ready action for the first thug to try and close in. And an attack of opportunity ready for the second, too. I'll roll those here, so you've got them if you need them:

Ready action attack (if triggered), Power Attack for 2:
Atk: [roll1]
Dam: [roll2]

Attack of Opportunity (if triggered), Power Attack for 2:
Atk: [roll3]
Dam: [roll4]

[NinjaTBB]

[roll0] initiative. Thosh readies the flame strike at the E7:F8 intersection so it will hit 3 of the enemies for [roll1] fire damage (reflex DC 20 half)

[boj0]

Thugs: [roll0]
Leader: [roll1]

[boj0]

Having enough of the brazen attitude of these interloping Orcs, the Midnight Web leader shouts for his men to take your heads!


Shanlagar: 16
Thosh: 14
Thugs: 13
Leader: 12
Gerth: 11
Lok: 10
Urug: 9

**For those of you who had actions readied, let me know if you still want to hold those, or do something on your turn

double edit: Myrath (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm0f2JUvK90) does some pretty good Arabic/Metal that fits pretty well with a group of adventurers fighting in the desert

[boj0]

A burst of lustrous particles explodes over the thugs, they are coated in a fine silvery-gold dust...


Thugs x3 [roll0]
Leader [roll1]

[boj0]

To save time and everyone's sanity, we are switching to group initiative; everyone can state their action, then we'll go to the enemies, and then continue from there.

[Chimaera]

From where he stands, Urug brings his glaive down at one of the thugs, helping granting them even more "superiority in numbers".

Attacking the one standing in I10 then taking a 5ft step to H11.
1st glaive [roll0] dmg [roll1]
2nd glaive [roll2] dmg [roll3]

Urug seems coldly brutal and his presence seems to make the thugs gulp a little. Maybe they bit more they can chow?

Enemies within 10ft of Urug takes a -1 to AC

[boj0]

As the champion swings down his glaive, he catches one of the unfortunate hooligans off-guard, the first blow cutting deep into his chest, leaving him within an inch of his life, the assault is then repeated, with the second blow disemboweling the fool, shooting spurts of blood across the beaten ground. Pointystick then steps up to the group, the malice coming off him a tangible force that makes the other thugs reel back.

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh's eyes briefly light up in a flare of light as a sizable explosion of fire engulfs some of the hooligans. He then retreats slightly closer to the shop in order to be more protected by his more armored companions. "If it's combat they want, it's combat they shall get."

Keeping the readied action, fiery burst at E7:F8 hitting the three around it for 13 fire damage reflex DC 20 half. Then a 5 foot step to G12 and safety

[boj0]

Ref x3 [roll0]

[boj0]

As the thugs clamor to attack, a shower of fire bursts between them, bathing them in heat and flame; none are able to find cover from the magical inferno. The screams of pain are high notes to accompany Lok's song.

[Seanfall]

"Thosh get behind me." Gerth decided he needed a little boost. He considered the bear, it's strength it's fortitude. The hair on his arms and chest grew thicker. His muscles seemed to surge and bulge as psychic power coursed through his body altering it as he saw fit. "I'll crush them all." He spoke through thicker sharper teeth then before. Gerth moved up around Thosh to let him take the back line.


Spending 3 Power Points Plus 5 on an augment to activate Animal Affinity (Total cost: 8 Power points.)
The augmented power gets me two +4's (temp.)

+4 to Str
+4 to Con

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

In booming voice Lôk's song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brWdlQfkha4) continues, but the lyrics becomes pointed and specific.

"Sandmaze streets, the first year of our Crusade
A tribe that stands alone
Cold voices, faces grey
Gathered unto their judgement day

Some humans remain unbroken
Their words will not be forgotten
Tell their mothers to stand in vain and cry
Tears and medals in the rain"

With this, he strike hard, bringing his glaive down on the head of one of the humans, kicking dust with his back foot at the vicious fleshraker to spur it forward.

"Shanlagar moves east behind the table
His dinosaur takes up the flank
Gerth takes left, but plays safe.
'Til way is clear to surround the right.

Shall I call on you, Urug stand with me
To see our hopes and dreams fulfilled
On this day of our first victory!"

Bolstering Voice stance active.

Free action: continue the song

Standard action: Tactical Strike maneuver against E9
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2]

If it hits, the dinosaur moves up to I-11

Group buffs:
+4 attack and damage
+2 to will saves
+4 against charms
+8 against fear

[boj0]

http://i.imgur.com/65HfWpi.jpg

*Gerth is where I figured he would be able to stand that is: in front of Thosh, outside the shop to threaten enemies.


Thug 1 (Shortsword) vs Gerth [roll0] dam [roll1]
Thug 2 (Dagger) vs Gerth[roll2] dam [roll3]

Leader (Shortsword) vs Lok [roll4] dam [roll5]

Thug 6 (Dagger) vs Pointystick [roll6] dam [roll7]

Thug 7 (Shortsword) vs Dino [roll8] dam [roll9]

[J-H]

Shanlagar

Dino looks confused and steps back to guard his master, while Shanlagar sends a vision of pain and death at the thug that attacked his deinonychus.


Dino 5' steps back to I12 and resumes his readied action to block and attack anyone who attempts to close to melee with Shanlagar.

Phantasmal Killer on Thug 6, Will DC19 to disbelieve, then Fort DC19 or die; if the thug passes the Fort but not the Will, [roll0] damage.

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh eagerly watches as the thugs pile into a nice tight cluster. Another flicker of flame in his eyes and a fiery explosion erupts at the center of the crowd. "Honestly, are they even trying?"

Thosh uses fiery burst again at the H9:I10 intersection. It hits thugs 4, 5, 6, and the leader for [roll0] points of fire damage, Reflex DC 20 half.

[Seanfall]

The blows of Gerth's assailants find that his blade is already waiting. Their weapons skimming across the crystal blade. Gerth smirks at the first in line, a surge of light travels from his hand into his blade. Charging it as he swings. "Should have run."


Spending free action to charge blade with psychic energy - 2 power points.
Feats: Deep Impact Melee weapon roll resolved as touch attack.
First

Second: [roll1]

Damage (Psionic weapon +4d6 Damage +2d6 for charged weapon.
[roll2] /Second [roll3]
[roll4] /Second [roll5]

First roll Total damage: 43

Second Roll: 28

If the first attack misses the 2d6 goes to second attack: [roll6]

Cleave (if first target is killed second attack on thug #2)
[roll7] Damage: [roll]1d10+9 + [roll8]

[roll9] Damage [roll10] + [roll11]

First roll Damage: 25

Second Roll Damage: 27

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

Lôk doesn't even flinch as the leader's blow deflects harmlessly off his breastplate. With supreme disdain, he reaches past Drazi to continue the slaughter of his followers.

"Victory's song resounding
The way is clear to dominate this fight
Shall I call on you, Urug stand with me
To see our hopes and dreams fulfilled
On this day of our ascension
On this day we praise the fallen

"Stand your ground, this is what we are fighting for
For our spirit and laws and ways
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war
For heaven or hell we shall not wait..."

I'm honestly not sure who's alive at this point, but out of 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 he'll hit whoever's still standing.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Chimaera]

Urug watch as the lowly thug tries to stab him.
"What good is your superiority in numbers if you're all little pieces of ****?", he ask the thug who tried to stab him and bring his glaive down.

Also not sure who is alive or not.
He'll stay close to Lôk and attack with reach, aiming for those closes to Lôk first.
If the enemies are too close for him to use his glaive, he'll punch them with his spiked gauntlets.
If needed, he'll take a 5ft step closer, as long as it keep him as Lôk's bodyguard.

1st glaive [roll0] dmg [roll1]
2nd glaive [roll2] dmg [roll3]

or

1st spiked gauntlet [roll4] dmg [roll5]
2nd spiked gauntlet [roll6] dmg [roll7]

[boj0]

Thug 6: vs Pantasmal Killer Will: [roll0] Fort: [roll1]
vs Fiery Burst Ref" [roll2]

Thug 4: vs Fiery Burst Ref: [roll3]
Thug 5: vs Fiery Burst Ref: [roll4]

Leader: vs Fiery Burst Ref: [roll5]

[boj0]

*We'll assume Urug is punching those close to him, as his Glaive attack missed (nat 1)

With a fury of steel and crystal, the trio of martial Orcs grind down their foes in a flurry of strikes, Gerth with his blade acting as an extension of his mind, is able to strike down the two foes next to him in ways their bodies and minds cannot comprehend. Lok who, in a display of authority, strikes down the enemies behind Darzi; showing him that he cannot run and he cannot win. Urug, feeling exceptionally brutal, decides this is a good opportunity to get close and personal, with lightning fast jabs, he cracks two of his chosen foes in the face, striking one down with a cracked skull and the other stumbles backwards, blood spurting from his face before falling down.

With their superiority smashed against the sand, the single warrior who was behind the fountain flees, his cowardice palpable in the air.
Which leaves Darzi, alone and outmatched. He throws his hands into the air, "Mercy!", he screams, "Please, mercy, I will give you anything!" The fear on his face suits him, you think.

Elric steps out with Jack, gripping his arm in such a way that it appears to be more for keeping Jack close than to help him out.
"My brothers! It appears we have a Lieutenant of the Midnight Web in our hands, how much is his life worth, do you think? We could interrogate him,or simply kill him for his insolence and cowardice..."

[Chimaera]

"Mercy?", Urug ask the lone survivor and begin laughing, "Who do you think you have messed up with, boy scouts?"

He then look to Lôk and the others, "I'll let you decide how we kill him".

[Seanfall]

"Lets not be too hasty. These men were simply ignorant of our purpose, we shouldn't be so quick to destroy what can be used." Gerth was cleaning the blood and gore from his blade. The jagged edges tend to get a lot of meat caught in it. He was still looking rather beastly, and would still look so for another few minutes. As he spoke he began searching the bodies of the two he killed.

"That's if we can think of a use for him..." Gerth looked over to Darzi. "Well why shouldn't we kill you? Bearing in mind you likely have no earthly goods we want or need. So go ahead, make yourself useful." Gerth was giving him a chance to save his skin. The man had attacked them with the intent to kill them. He had no qualms about punishing him for the transgression, he simply wanted to give him a chance of living.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

Lôk glares down at the snivelling Drazi. He sneers, "mercy? You who hunted for our blood now ask us for mercy?" He raises the glaive in an executioner's strike, but then breaths deep and looks at those around him. Speaking both to his fellow orcs and to the bystanders. "But we are here for victory, not vengeance. We fight here to protect ourselves from those who wish us harm. Our laws may honor our right to kill those who raise steel against us, but we will not stain Sandmaze's streets more than is necessary."

He lowers his voice then, drawing close to Drazi, his breath hot on the human's face. "But do not think we will so easily let you run off to your masters unscathed. Your life is now forfeit and if necessary I will drag you by the krilai back to the shore and finish you there. But since you snivel so pathetically, I'll give you three small tasks to earn your life back."

Lôk holds up a finger. "First, remove all your possessions besides your underthings and leave them in a folded pile, so that you may accept your defeat." He holds up another. "Second, tell us all you know of what lies between Urugash and the Midnight Web, so that you may earn forgiveness." Then, instead of raising a third finger, Lôk produces a torch and lights it. "Third, snuff out this torch, with your hands, so that you may reclaim some measure of honor." And so that your hands may be useless for fighting in the near future.

Lôk doesn't have a torch per se, but it's pretty easy to improvise with some high-proof alcohol and a light from Thosh. Putting out a torch with your hands is harder than with a candle, but if he's clever and dips his hands in the fountain first (Lôk won't stop him), he'll get away with some soreness for a couple days . If he's as dumb as I'm guessing he is, he'll get blisters for a week and and some scarring. How that all interacts with healing magic, I'll leave up to the DM.

Oh and at some point, one charge from a healing wand on Dino, heals [roll0]

[boj0]

After removing his possessions, placing them in a pile, and standing in front of you with only a loincloth to his name, Darzi asks sheepishly, "I don't suppose you'd wait to hear what I have to say before performing your third task?"

[Chimaera]

"Do the tasks in the correct order, your moron", Urug says threatens to punch his teeth off his mouth, "First one is done. Now you tell what you were asked and then you turn off the torch".

[NinjaTBB]

"Contrary to what you may think" Thosh pipes up from the back. "We aren't torturing you for information." He sparks some flames around whatever torch implement Lôk has acquired. "Although, if you wish for us to to drive the information out, I would have no quarrel with swapping the order of your tasks."

[boj0]

Darzi makes an audible gulp. Hoping he can smooth relations over with his captors, he begins bubbling out information as fast as the fountain behind him spurts water.

"The Midnight Web sprawls across Sandmaze to cities beyond, we control trade, of anything we can: arms, alchemy, food, wine, silk, herbs, art, if we can get a buyer in a town, we have a thread. I am but a simple enforcer, I make sure that our interests are... met with a positive attitude, and adjust those that aren't. I assure you I don't know everything about our organization, specifically for situations like these." He waves his arm to the group of Orcs detaining him, "Our interest in you was simply a piqued interest, a group of heavily armed Orcs comes into Sandmaze, the name Urugash mentioned more than once, it didn't take long for an informant on the street to get word to my superiors. Before you lot...dealt with my men, we wanted to see what your connection was to Urugash."

He pauses at the name and looks at some of the bodies of his men.

"Urugash has been a thorn in the side of our operations within the city for a few years now, his public persona of an Orc savior makes it difficult to deal with him, as he is surrounded by those who would die for him. We have information that his past as a raider made it possible for him to attack our caravans and transport the goods under his own banner, but his thugs give out food and water to the Orcs of Sandmaze so they shall never rise against him. As I said, when we heard of armed Orcs entering The Maze looking for Urugash, we wanted to find out where and why."

"If you are indeed looking to confront the Warlord, I am more than willing to tell you his whereabouts, however, he will most likely be surrounded by his sycophants ."


10+: He isn't lying per se
13+: There is more that he knows
15+: Based on the information he has said, he probably only knows as much as you do, but he could lead you to someone who knows more

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Vague and unsatisfying. I suppose I expected nothing more from a toadie like yourself. Tell me where I can find more, or get on with the third task."

[J-H]

Shanlagar

Shanlagar narrows his eyes, and makes a small motion with his hand. Dino circles around, the clawed and toothed predator standing just barely in the peripheral vision of the terrified human.

"Do we want to know more from this Midnight Web? I'm certain this human would be willing to lead us to someone more informed."

[Seanfall]

Gerth raised a brow at the two. They clearly caught onto something he'd missed. "Errr...yes of course he's...holding back." Gerth made a coughing noise and covered his face as his eyes darted to and from the others. Something tells me they didn't buy that. What did I miss that they didn't?

[boj0]

Darzi stops and tries to hold back another throaty gulp, "I-I can bring you to my contact! He runs a shop in another quarter! I was to return to him after discerning your reason for being here!"

His eyes dart around, looking at the frustration grow on the Red Claw's faces; hopefully this forbidden bit of information would make his existence less painful...

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Tell us the name of the shop and, by my word, we will make no mischief there if they deal fairly and honestly with us."

Either way, after Drazi's response, Lôk holds out the torch. "Enough stalling. Prove your courage and your debt of honor will be considered paid in full as a worthy adversary, or decline and remain our prisoner as worthless human trash."

[boj0]

"Yes sir, the shop with my contact is Hikmat Abell, the owner of a tailor's shop on the east side of the main bazaar. Tell him you work with me on the Urugash case, since you are Orcs he will be suspicious, mention his rival, Lebrash the Camel and that should convince him to part with his information."

Realizing that his information buys no leniency, Darzi looks at the flame; with a foolish hesitation he grabs at it before fully committing, searing his hands, he lets out a pathetic yelp as he puts out the flame. Without thinking he runs to the fountain and sticks his hands in. "Please! No more! My shame is too great!"


For those of you searching bodies, the Midnight Web was certainly flush:
A bag of 90 pp
5 shortswords
8 daggers
16 throwing knives
1 bottle, sealed with a skull symbol
1 bracelet, with moonstones
1 comb, golden
1 mug, brass with jewels inlaid
1 necklace, silver with an ivory charm
1 wand

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"One other thing, before you go. These magical items and potions - what are they?" Shanlagar extends the deal a bit further.

[boj0]

Darzi appears to be in too much pain to be helpful, he mubles out, "W-wand is invisibility, I-I don't know what the potion is." Then returns to quiet sobbing

[Seanfall]

"You'll heal in time. Maybe a bit wiser." Gerth looks over the items fiddling with the comb a little. "So do our resident Magic flingers have any way of identifying any enchantment on these objects?" Gerth makes sure not to touch the skull sealed bottle. "I say it's a better then good chance that this is a poison of some kind."

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Go, Drazi, in knowledge that there is some strength left in your spine. If you are a wiser man when next we meet, I may lift a toast in your honor. Until then, return to your masters and tell them your have bought our forgiveness and good will, and by our hands they may soon be rid of a thorn in their sides."

After Drazi makes his presumably-hurried departure, Lôk turns back to the shopkeep Jack. "I am in need of pearls, worth at least a hundred gold each, suitable for the casting of spells. Or your services as an appraiser of magic items, at your preference. Our coin is good." As if to emphasize the point, he hefts the newly-looted purse full of jangly platinum.

Detect Magic on the various items. I'm assuming the wand and potion will ping, but are the bracelet, comb, mug, and/or necklace magic?

[boj0]

The wand pings as magical, everything else just looks expensive

[NinjaTBB]

"If the rest of today has little excitement, then I've got an okay chance at being able to determine the contents of the bottle. As for the rest of it, I'm afraid that isn't my area of expertise."

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Hmm." Lôk scowls at the items. "Nevermind on the latter, Jack. Though I suppose I could trouble you for a price on these valuables. You seem like a fellow who'd be able to move them with ease."

He catches himself. "Oh, except for the vial." He nods to Thosh. "Let's see what you can do."

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh mutters some arcane words and gestures delicately toward the vial of liquid for a few seconds, then at once he ceases as the probings of his spell return to him.

"This is definitely poison of some sort, though I'm afraid I cannot divine the exact type of it. My apologies."

Untrained Craft (alchemy) check [roll0] vs DC 20 to identify the poison.

[boj0]

Jack beckons the Orcs to hurry back into his shop before any of the locals start poking their heads out.
"Come back in, we don't want any extra attention on you lot."
Getting everyone in, he looks over the lot of the goods.
"Well moving it all would be no problem, it would just take some time, which I don't think you all have. Tell you what, I'll trade you that shield you were eyeing earlier, I don't think I want something attached to Urugash's old tribe in my possession right now."

[Seanfall]

Gerth was the last to enter the building, acting as rearguard till everyone was back inside the building. "Well, that solves one problem." He responds to the shop keeps offer. Gerth groans a little as his muscles relax and his teeth shorten, the extra hair receeds and he almost seems to 'deflate' as his power's effects end.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

Following Jack back into the store, Lôk looks to the others for consensus. "Hmm... a reasonable offer, though one that likely benefits you more than we. Gerth, your opinion seems clear. Urug, Thosh, Shanlagar - this affects spoils of war that belong to us all. What say you?"

[Chimaera]

"Whatever[)b]", Urig shrug, "[b]I dont use shields and I'm okay with what you decide as long as it further the orchish crusade"

[J-H]

Shanlagar
"We should keep the wand in case we need to make a surprise attack. The rest, I say let the merchant have."

[NinjaTBB]

"I agree with Shanlagar. There will be droves of gold in elven hordes awaiting us, but the utility of such magic might be more useful at present."

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Consensus then. Jack, we offer these valuables - the bracelet, comb, mug, and necklace - in exchange for the shield. Do you accept?"

[boj0]

"Ah yes very good, very good." the merchants mutters as he looks through the loot with interest. Passing the shield over to the Orcs, he takes a look at Elric. "I have given all the information I have, and anything else has been provided by the visitors we had earlier, additionally, I have provided a valuable piece of protection in addition to knowledge; I would believe my debt to you has been fulfilled?"

With a slight furrowing of his brow and a sigh, Elric responds, "Yes merchant, you have indeed given us the information we needed, consider the debt owed to me paid."

Elric looks to the Red Claw, "We should get to someplace private and plan our next move, we have been seen here and I do not know how the Midnight Web will react to this; regardless of if we follow Mr. Darzis lead, word of the skirmish will spread quickly and both Urugash and the Midnight Web shall find out soon."

[Seanfall]

"Maybe next time they'll send soldiers worth killing." Gerth smirks, and adjusts his sword. "Alright where to Elric so far your tour has been rather entertaining. Someplace with personages of questionable morality and drinks of even more questionable content?"

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

The grey-skinned orc stretches his shoulders. "Perhaps now would be a good time to visit our friend Urugash. It would be rude to keep him waiting."

[boj0]

Elric: "If you wish, I know a place he is said to frequent, I can't guarantee an audience with him, but I am confident that the six of us can find a way."

So it is decided, going to see Urugash directly over visiting Darzi's contact?
That isn't a trick question, I just want to make sure I can move ahead

[Chimaera]

"Sure. let's meet up with him and see if he's willing to join us or if we'll need some coersion to have him join us on our crusade".

[boj0]

Elric seems pleased that you decided not to follow a lead into a possible trap. Giving a curt bow to Jack, he leads you away from the scene of the fight, eyes peering out from cracks in windows and doors watching the source of their confusion and disturbance to leave as quickly as they came.
"Aside from Darzi's man who ran and a few urchins, most people would rather ignore what happened here than bring chaos t their homes, we should be fine if we leave now, my brothers."

Leading you back through the alleys and the markets, your arms and general demeanor giving most people pause and thankfully keeping and would be thieves away.
"Now, I don't know how Urugash's men, or even how he himself will react to our arrival, as I said earlier, the lounge we venture to is not owned by Urugash, so he would not be able to resort to violence with indiscretion. That goes doubly for us, we do not have the clout to cause trouble with no consequences, and Urugash has more men than even our illustrious group can handle easily. If we go in as just a small group we might draw less attention and be seen as less of a threat. However I shall leave the tactical decisions to my betters."

A short time later, you come to a stop in front of a bustling food market, Elric points down a few hundred feet away.
"That is where Urugash should be, if we get any closer fully armed and grouped up, we shall certainly give away our arrival. But perhaps we wish to make a statement, what say you brothers?"

[Chimaera]

"We can go in pairs or go all in and greet him", he shrugs, "And word must already reached him if he's seem as an orchish champion here".

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"We are orc. We are strong, and make no apologies for our strength. To disguise our numbers by entering in pairs is beneath our dignity."

The long-haired orc paused for a moment, and looks around the group. "But it is for all to decide. We can enter together, a show of open force and a challenge demanding an answer. Or we can wait directly outside together until he comes out to us, to meet as equals in a public space. Both have merit, and either may cause offence. What say you?"

[Seanfall]

"If we enter in pairs, and go to meet him, if he spots us he might think we're trying to flank him. I think two of us should go to meet him and the rest stay out here to speak when he comes out." Gerth was watching the market, it was quite lively. "Besides if things do turn violent we'll need room to move."

[NinjaTBB]

"Without knowing the culture of this city, it is a tough choice to determine the best course of action." he pauses and considers for a moment. "I say we send a few in to meet him, if anything goes wrong our true numbers will be disguised, which may lend some advantage."

[boj0]

And which champions shall act as the front line negotiators? Who shall stay outside?

Notes: The building itself is 3 floors tall with the front/entrance facing the public market, one side is flush with another building (warehouse), one side has a tight alley, the rear of the building is right against the great wall of Sandmaze. Windows appear to be closed or curtained off. There looks like one large Orc at the front door, with plenty of regular people in the streets and market between.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Agreed, two to meet him. Myself and Gerth, then?" Lôk raises an inquisitive eyebrow in the Psychic Warrior's direction. His ability to exchange places may be vital in such circumstances.

[Seanfall]

"No Arguments here." Gerth rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck. The Psychic warrior guessed it was his appearance which Lok was banking on. He was perhaps the most outwardly brutal looking of the others. What the bones of his foes literally decorating him. "Lets go meet this Warlord."

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

Lôk flexed his sinuous arms, and nodded at Gerth. "Prepare your defences", he muttered, half to Gerth and half to the charming little facade before them, and then strode forward.

[boj0]

As you approach the front door, the Orc bouncer holds a a hand up, "Can I help you?" His tone lacking any real desire to be of assistance, he looks to be wearing some light armor beneath his cloak.

He has a mean face, missing a tooth, and a scar under his eye that looked like it had healed only a short time ago; no stranger to violence you think to yourself.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

Lôk looks the bouncer up and down, then nods to him approvingly while striking a dominant pose himself, showing off his full height and greeting him in a traditional, slightly archaic Orc grammar. "Hail and well met, fellow warrior. I am Lôk, Chieftain of the Taguk clan and War Leader of Prumax Thunderboar. I come from distant lands, and I will speak with Urugash before the day is out. You may summon him to me or stand aside, I care not which."

I figure traditional orcish protocol is rather more dominance-focused and aggressive than human, with some degree of posturing and arrogance expected from both sides.

[boj0]

The bouncer looks at Lok and Gerth, "Well met, you may enter, you may not start any fights once inside. Urugash is a regular patron here and his coin is good, however I have no love for him and he is obnoxious. Should you wish to speak with him I will not stop you, but as I said you will not cause any trouble. That is not a topic for debate."

You notice that he had his hand on the hilt of a blade by the time he finished speaking. He doesn't look the type to hide that.

[Seanfall]

Gerth smirked. "We have no interest in starting a brawl in such a crowded place." Gerth crossed his arms over his chest. "I am Gerth Marroweater of the Cragjumpers, well met as well." The warrior decided to activate one of his powers as he spoke. It wouldn't let him see the future, per-se. But he'd be better prepared should someone attempt an ambush. His inner eye opened granting him a modicum of Precognition.


Activating Precognition, Defensive. 1 Power Point lasts for 8 minutes. +1 to AC and all Saving Throws.

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh reaches into his spell component pouch, rummaging around for a short while he produces a short piece of copper wire. With one hand he grasps the wire tightly, focusing the arcane energies through it; and with the other he points a finger in the direction of each companion. With one last utterance the spell completes and he feels the wind on his breath eager to carry his words. He reduces his voice to a hushed whisper. "Red Claw, I have coerced the winds into carrying our messages. Each of you can hear me, but only I can hear you. Lôk and Gerth, keep us updated, only an inconspicuous whisper is needed to return a message to me. I will relay everything to Shanlagar and Urug. No haste, this spell will maintain for over an hour. Best of luck."

Since I have it enlarged, as long as there is a path (doesn't have to be straight) no more than 360 feet (blocked by the usual sheet of lead/1 inch metal/1 foot stone/3 feet wood or dirt) we can communicate for the next 80 minutes.

[boj0]

There shouldn't be enough material to block communications, so the spell should work just fine. Teamwork, ho!

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

With a nod to the bouncer, Lôk enters the building....

[boj0]

With a nod, the bouncer steps to the side and allows the two Red Claws to enter.

Instantly you are hit with smells and sounds, smokes from various pipes, oils of all purposes, a general haze that screams decadence in your mind crawls into your nostrils.
Every inch of the floor is draped in luxurious, hefty rugs, with art of all styles covering the walls, curtains and beads partition off various rooms and hallways. Noises of Humans and Orcs enjoying base and carnal vices whispers through the halls, subtle notes from drums, harps, and woodwinds creep out in between sounds of laughter and clinking of glasses.

You hear the door close and lock behind you, as you turn to look, you see the bouncer stride forward, "This way," he goes to lead you,"I wouldn't want it getting back that I let you interrupt our other patrons from their...activities"

He leads you through a few halls and up a flight of stairs, wonderful smells of spiced meats and ales waft past you. Through another curtain, and down some more stairs; is everything here a maze?
Finally, you are led to a large curtain, drawing it back, the bouncer says, "Remember, don't make any trouble."

The room is obnoxious with the finery, pillows and cushions everywhere, every flat surface has either a drink, food, tobacco, or a combination on it.
Five Orcs turn to look at you, glaring and offended that you would dare pause the enjoyment, one Orc does not turn to you, keeping his eyes on the attractive Orc girl sitting in his lap, without missing a beat he lets out a soft chuckle, which is quite loud given his large size.

"Prumax's boys I take it? Heard some crusaders were in the Maze looking for me, could only assume that meant Thunderboar was back on my ass."
He turns to look at you both, he was wearing enough gold and silk to outweigh a caravan in value, his wide build giving him presence in the small room. He motions the female away and stretches his arm behind his chair revealing a large, bot oddly not garish falchion. Grabbing it he swings it forward and grabs a fruit from the table next to him; peeling the skin away with graceful, controlled, movements.

"Tell me boys, how is the good prophet? I was content to stay out of his little religious holiday and claim land for myself out here in my own slice of the world," he illustrates this by taking a slice out of his fruit and feeding it to his harlot. "So now you must convince me why I shouldn't send you out of here in anything other than urns as a more formal refusal to Prumax. Well then, what could you possibly have to make me think otherwise?"

[Seanfall]

Gerth Marroweater had to cover his nose to keep the scents from overpowering him. He took in the decadence, the finery the sheer richness and wealth of it all. It was overpowering, it was impressive, it was also...sickening. When the saw the Orc himself, draped in gold and silk. He bit back a snort, the massive Orc might be a good fighter but dressed like that he'd never last in the Cragjumpers territory. Assuming he attempted to carry his own ample weight. Gerth didn't even bother looking at the guards they had angered. Instead he leaned in close to Lok and whispered.

"He looks more like a human Sheik then an Orc Warlord."

[boj0]

I'll wait for sonofzeal before Urugash keeps talking

The group outside:
As you stand in the market in a semi-circle with the spell relaying Gerth's crack about Urugash, Elric lets out a small chuckle.
The sun is slowly beginning its decent from its zenith and the air cools ever so slightly, before you realize it a group of small Human children run by laughing and playing; after a few seconds Urug, in a slight panic, starts patting down his sides. "My coin purse! Those little bastards!", with a furious burst of speed, he takes off in their direction. Elric shouts out "Don't kill them! We only take hands for thieves here!"

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"I see word of our arrival preceded us. Good. This saves time."

Lôk touches his fist to his chest in a symbol of respect. "Mighty Urugash, whose fame extends beyond kingdoms and oceans, we do not come her to seek you harm. Nay, we wish to call you friend and ally, and increase your fortunes through force of arms. Our mission is the defence and elevation of orc-kind, and word has already reached our ears of you pursuing that goal in your own way.

"We do not know the ways of Sandmaze. You do. And while your methods here are different than ours, they seem suited to this place. You have protected your orcish brother, and gained for our kind a measure of respect and power. This is a victory for our cause as well as yours, and should be celebrated!

"Yet in your victories here, do not forget your heritage, nor forsake your brethren abroad. There is a larger war brewing. Our victory against the betrayer elves will do more for our kind than any local mob boss could do, and our defeat, may Gruumsh claw his good eye out, would harm you here too. You may choose to cower behind your sandstone walls if you wish, or reclaim the name of the Scorpion Brothers on the field of valor! Would you disgrace the name of your fallen with cowardess and risk your own destruction through inaction, or bring honor to their memories and spoils of war to your pockets by joining our crusade?

"Our hope is for you to recognize what is best and join us, not through bribery or manipulation, but for your own self-interest. We have no wish to harm a fellow orc. But if bloodshed is what you demand, then bloodshed there will be, yet rather than mat this opulence with blade and blood, may I propose a duel of champions, at a place of your choosing. The spectacle may increase your fortunes, and the Gods of War will decide their favor. Or do you think that you would lose such a contest?"

[boj0]

@sonofzeal - roll a Diplomacy check (+2 for having the Scorpion Brothers shield)

[sonofzeal]

Diplomacy: [roll0]

Also, finished the quote. Guess I hit submit too early!

[boj0]

With that score you successfully push him from Unfriendly, passed Indifferent, to Friendly.

Urugash looks at the retainers and sycophants he had become accustomed to; yes men and soft bodies, the gold and silk felt rougher on him than sand and sun. This chieftain of ash had shamed him in front of his men, normally such an affront would result in immediate slaughter, but the words cut too deep to let him not dwell.

"It's been quite some time since we ran the sands Uru, gold and wine is nice, but I think the men are restless." The break in silence contorted the warlord's face like a deformed jackal, his anger palpable. "SHUT UP!" Urugash backhands the insubordinate across the floor and over a couch. "YOU DO NOT SPEAK FOR ME!"

The other Orcs in the room shift uncomfortably.

"I AM URUGASH SKULLSPLITTER!" He leaps over to the downed one and sends a kick straight into his midsection, followed by a boot to the back of the head. "I AM CHIEFTAIN OF THE SCORPION BROTHERS, I AM THE DESERT FOX WHO CLAIMS THE DUNES! I AM- I am, I...." He slumps back down over to his chair, the color drained from his face and melancholy veiling his eyes. He pinches his hand across his brow, deep in thought. "I am an old man who has lost his way..."

He looks back to Gerth and Lok, "You two, you came to me with no hesitation to kill me if I refused? I wouldn't be so naive to assume you are working alone, Prumax sent 8 last time; but that was over a decade ago. I doubt I could kill your champion at my age, but I will not bend to Thunderboar so easily, he is passionate, but stuck in the past, he can't say he speaks with the divine vision of Gruumsh if he can only see us returning to living in holes picking clean the corpses of Dwarves and Elves. You say he works for the betterment of Orcs, but does he want us to be empowered or does he just want all of us to fall in behind his wave of conquest? I will never let it be said that I would let any Orc go hungry if he is willing to fight for his food."

He looks down, disappointed at either himself or the situation. Then a moment of hesitation, they his eyes widen and the largest, predatory, grin crosses his face, a glint of mischief in his eye.
"I tell you what, you can let everyone know that one of your boys kicked whoever's ass they damn well pleased. We're changing the negotiation, for everyone to come out on top. Prumax and I could never see eye-to-eye, because we want the same thing, but disagree on method. You seem to have a clear head on your shoulders, you things done right, not easy? Well I have an idea."

Some of the other Orcs in the room are starting to get excited looks on their faces, this looks like something Urugash has been waiting for.

The Warlord leans in closer, "This city has no ruler, no governing body, only spheres of influence and the sound of coin. In fact, if you look into the history of Sandmaze, there has never been a single, unopposed, ruler. You can't make a place like Sandmaze with everyone going their own direction, not on this scale, it doesn't add up. Why is it so far from the port? So I had some people look into it, do some digging, literally. There is a ghost town beneath the sand, under Sandmaze; now I haven't been able to discern why or how, and that's where you lot come in. A small, elite group of hard-asses can go down there and find out the truth, something down there is connected to the lost history of the Maze." He reaches for another piece of fruit, and gives the two Red Claw agents a grin before continuing.

"I have never been able to send too many people down there, raises suspicion, and if my people aren't keeping my territory in order it all gets lost for nothing. I need you to go down there while I start making my moves against some of the merchant kings and guildmasters in the Maze. They might have coin and "power", but I have coin, power, and Orcs. You help me, and I'll do you one better than one old bandit king and a group of nostalgic warriors; I'll help your crusade gain the largest city on this half of the continent."

The other Orcs raise their drinks in cheer, Urugash chuckles and gives his falchion a few good practice swings. "Gold, arms and armor, textiles, ceramics, capable bodies, strong walls, and whatever secrets lay below the city; all can belong to the crusade. What do you say?"

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

Lôk breaths heavily, the fire in his bearing fading to quiet regret. Finding a chair across Urugash and fishing out the Icebrine Fire Vodka from his pack, he pours a heavy glass for himself. "An old bandit king and a group of nostalgic warriors, you say? Some days I think that's all we've got, too." He drinks, hard, the harsh fluid burning his throat, then shakes his head.

"Your offer is fair and reasonable, Old Fox. I ask but two more things. The first is simple, a map to what you have found so far. The second is that followers of yours who wish to join the crusade are permitted. This will please the Old Boar to see some meat and sinew marching under your banner, and rid you of some reckless hotheads who may returned veteran and dependable soldiers." The ashen orc offers the bottle to Urugash. "What say you?"

[boj0]

"Agreed," Urugash gives a warrior's salute, "I'll have one of the boys give you the details about where our little hole in the ground is."

With that he goes back to sitting on his chair and speaking with some of the other Scorpion Brothers. The Orc he originally beat finally came to, with a groan and a nod from Urugash, he follows you out of the room. "I guess I'll be the one to show you the pit. Get your group together and we'll be able to get you down as soon as possible."

[Seanfall]

Gerth watched the proceedings, gaining a new appreciation for Lok's Diplomatic skills. He follows the other two out of the room. "Taken bets on what's in the ghost town. Ghosts, Drow, vampires, or Vampire Drow?" Gerth laughed at his own comment. "But seriously this is beginning to get interesting. I hope the others are in the mood for a little detour."

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"After all that time on the ship? Hah!" Shanlagar and Dino are ready to go.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

After wrapping things up with Urugash, Lôk rejoins the others outside and explains the situation. Gold is as good as troops in the right hand, and it was always understood that the Red Claw would have hard work and danger, so not much of note was changed from the original briefing except the particulars.

It was time for them to earn their stripes, in a forgotten underground of ancient magics and untold threat.

[boj0]

After a few days of preparation, Elric was able to procure supplies through Jack as well as a "small" bundle of gear given on behalf of Urugash. The original mission brief said nothing of delving beneath a mysterious city to an even more mysterious ghost town, but the group was sure that Prumax would find great interest in what lay below the walls that blocked his divine sight.

You were told to meet behind a non-descript building, in a market on the southern half of town. There, in an alley guarded by the Scorpion Brothers, was a trap door, under a dirty rug, surrounded by crates, and watched by Brother's disguised as beggars.

Urug was nowhere to be seen, ever since he chased a thief, the assumption was he became lost in the Maze, he was certainly tough and wouldn't be accosted easily, that didn't stop the Red Claw from realizing that nothing in Sandmaze could be dismissed as non-threatening.

The Scorpion Brothers break open the crates to reveal the equipment Urugash had "acquired". When the rug is lifted and the trap door pulled open, you feel the first cold breeze on your skin since leaving the ship. It smelled dank, like a cave, or a Goblin den, age hung on the air like a tattered robe.

One of the guards hands you a scrap of paper, "These are the notes we have gathered so far for the ruins, a few glyphs we haven't deciphered, general layout for what we've explored. It might not look it, but it's massive down there. We'll watch out up here and make sure you aren't followed, we have orders to stay here until you return, or if Urugash thinks you died down there. Be careful of the snakes, and good luck."

You look down the trap door, the blazing sun gives just enough light to see the floor where the ladder touches down.

You swear you heard some kind of animal noise from the hole, but you've come this far, might as well try and find some glory.


-End of Chapter 1

[J-H]

Shanlagar

Shanlagar peers down, then hisses and motions at the trapdoor. Dino leaps down, hitting the ground easily.


I'm assuming it's around a 20' drop If it's 40'+, stop me. Jump check [roll0] vs DC15 to reduce falling damage by 10', to 10' which is basically no damage.

[boj0]

The dinosaur should be fine

EDT - Oh and I noticed earlier, I didn't have Urugash react to Lok offering some of the drink: He accepted, after making a joke that since you had some first he didn't think it was poison

[Seanfall]

Gerth stowed most of the gear in his bag of holding. It would cut down on noise, weight and make sure no one was carrying too much. "Snakes?" Better then spiders, Gerth thought as he jumped down the hole after the dino. Making sure to miss the beast he landed. He blinked a few times to let his eyes adjust. Underground caverns weren't anything new. The Cragjumpers had made their home both inside and outside the Mountain. That said, Gerth preferred open spaces to having tones of rock and soil above his head.


So unless theirs anything anyone specifically wants to keep a hold of. And as long as no one objects, Assume we put the Group gear in Gerths bag. Just to make the weight issue better. I'll put it in the notes section of his Character Sheet. While his personal gear will be in the normal spot.

[roll0] Jump check. Might not be needed but I just wanted to roll.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

Lôk climbs down the ladder. "As before, warriors. Watch your footing. Noise matters little, but mind what you touch. Even if the builders laid no traps, time and tide can create their own. Better to be slow and careful here; there will be time for haste elsewhere."

[J-H]

Shanlagar climbs down, rejoining his dinosaur. "I'm sure we'll find something living down here."

[NinjaTBB]

As the rest of the Red Claw descend into the unknown, Thosh turns to one of the guards and speaks "I assure you, anyone following us with any degree of sincerity will be quite strong, good luck to you fellows as well." before he too descends into the dark.

[boj0]

Ch. 2- Deep, Dark Secrets

As the Red Claw made their way down the hidden entrance to the unknown ruins, it felt like they had entered a new world; the noise from the city melted away into faint rumbling, the bright desert sky dimmed to almost blackness, and the scorching heat dropped to a damp chill.

The previous groups that attempted to make a fortified position had left a few various supplies near the ladder, a few lanterns set about, bedrolls, and (now spoiled) rations. Unfolding the paper that was given to the group showed that Urugash's crew had explored a diameter around the pit roughly a city block wide, with a few markings for buildings, and heaps of rubble where structures used to be. A quick glance at the notes crawled into them give you an idea of what was mostly found: collapsed buildings, statues, guesses at the language used by the former inhabitants. Most are marked as "clear" or "too damaged", a few simply have skulls marked by them. The only other clue as to what they've found down here is scribbled in almost every blank spot on the crude map; "Snakes".

Those with Darkvision can see that the ground your standing on appears to be some sort of hill, with the ground going to a steep decline around you, a few of the lanterns look like they could be lit again for those that cannot see in darkness, with small blips of orange light in the distance, stationary, but faint, possibly torch sconces from previous explorers.

Should anyone wish to follow the first landmark noted on the paper, it appears to be what was once a 2 story building, with the top floor caved in, the carvings on the entrance seem strange, in your travels you don't feel like you've seen architecture like this anywhere.

If you have Elven, you can make an Intelligence check to try and make sense of it

You also hear in the distance, what you think to be a soft breeze, or a loud hiss...

[Seanfall]

"Did they leave the food on purpose or where they just forgetful? Must be nice having enough rations to be able to waste them." Gerth snorted kicking over a moldy peice of bread. His eyes took a few moments to adjust, he was use to the switch though from vivid color to the washed out black and white of Dark vision. With light being even more distinct, and painful if you didn't have time to adjust. Looking over the shoulder of the map he sighed at the blank spots filled with 'snakes'. The underground version of 'here their be dragons I take it.'

If they did follow the first landmark, Gerth even as well traveled as he was is at a loss with the odd Architecture. He's seen lots of different designs but none of them matched with what he was seeing now.

[NinjaTBB]

"My guess would be accidental; in a place filled with snakes, and Gruumsh knows what else, leaving food open could be a death sentence." Thosh answers as he steps off the ladder. His eyes adjusting to the lack of light as the colors gradually fade off into greyscale. He grabs a discarded lantern and momentarily considers "Does anyone need a lantern? Or shall the dark be our ally?"


Are the carvings actual letters and words or just artistic symbols and such; I don't want to waste a comprehend languages if it won't help in the situation.

[boj0]

They are part of an actual language, so go ahead and use it

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"No sense giving us away to the night-blind. We can all see in the dark well enough."

Dino sniffs around, trying to catch fresh scent of anything living.

He has survival+8, Track, and Scent

[boj0]

The beast sniffs the air, and with an excited yip begins sniffing around the door frame of the building before giving a long growl and giving a soft screech into the darkness.
Oh yes, Dino has found prey for the Orcs

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"Something's in the building." Shanlagar motions the warriors towards it. "You know what to do."

[Seanfall]

Gerth perks up at Shanlager's words and straightens up. He draws his sword from his back and taking up position in front of the door frame. Blade low, he glances back at Lok for his approval.



If Lok gives his nod, Gerth will step beyond the door and activate Precognition, Defensive.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

Lôk nods to Gerth. A good hunt in darkness is just what Red Claw needs after all the politics and negotiation. The kill itself would be of little value, but it would be a good way to learn the lay of the land and what they were up against.

[boj0]

How many power points does Gerth spend on the power?

As the Marroweater step through the door frame, his mind open to a thousand angles an ambush could appear from, his Orcish eyes able to penetrate the darkness and find...

Spot - [roll0]
Listen - [roll1]

[boj0]

...nothing, a quick scan of the room reveals nothing to Gerth. As he turns to tell the others, his precognition tells him he turned around too soon...
*failed Spot check by 8

With inhuman quickness, a darting strike comes at the psychic warrior!

Attack vs flat-footed [roll0]
Damage [roll1] strange how a power called precognition, would let you be caught flat-footed :smallconfused:

[Seanfall]

Gerth was forced backwards in his failed attempt to dodge the blow. Blood running down his arm, he wasn't sure what him. Either way he decided he was gonna make it pay. Taking in a breath, he felt the psychic energies within him alter his body's chemistry just enough. He pitched forward exhaling vitriolic acid.


Should have specified, yeah spent 1 point on Defensive.

[roll0] Initiative after the surprise round. Stated my action for when it's my turn as I work a lot today and didn't want to hold anyone up.

Exhalation of the Black Dragon spending 9 pionts (Base of five plus 4 to boost damage.)
Ranged touch: [roll1]
Range: Close 45ft. (25+5 for every 2 levels)
Effect: Ray
Damage: [roll2]
Instantaneous effect, 1 standard action manifesting time.

I know I'm kinda shooting blind here, but I at least know the general direction the shot is coming from.

[boj0]

Ah don't forget that we switched to group initiative just for that very reason!

Did Thosh want to use the guardian/watchful spirit ability?

[NinjaTBB]

With the appearance of some foe, Thosh holds off on deciphering the carvings for a moment. A flicker of flame in his eyes as he readies to ignite anything hostile he sees.

Ready action to use fiery burst in an area that will hit the enemy (and not hit Gerth if possible) once he sees the enemy. [roll0] fire damage vs Reflex DC 20 half.

Did Thosh want to use the guardian/watchful spirit ability?

Nah, no sense using it on a trash mob, I'll save it for something bigger and scarier :smalltongue:

[boj0]

http://i.imgur.com/z41WyUS.png

Enemy Initiative [roll0]
Red Claw Initiative (average init modifier of group) [roll1]

The small circle that looks like an "o" next to the door frame, is supposed to be a "D" for Dino, the blue circle with "E" is Elric (he hadn't been on a map before).
The big grey circle is E1, the two small ones are supposed to say "S1" and "S2" *the "S" is for snake! :smallwink:

EDIT: Cool, so you guys can finish posting your actions, then we'll see if any enemies are left to take their own!

[J-H]

Shanlagar
"Dino, kill!" Shanlagar sends a volley of magic missiles into one of the snakes, providing a target for the predator as it circles and slashes at the snake with its large hindclaws.


Both target S1. Retarget to the next snake (S2) if the first dies.
Magic Missile [roll0]

Talons [roll1]
Damage [roll2], magic

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

(tune (https://youtu.be/XV24FN4rDzE?t=27s))
Oh! I'm ready for it, come on bring it!
Oh! I'm ready for it, come on bring it!
Oh! I'm ready for it, come on bring it!
Oh! I'm ready for it, come on bring it!

So let's make the snakes die
None of them are gonna make it out alive
No they cannot deny
They can hear our mighty battle cry
Goodbye!


Bellowing all the way into the fray, Lôk advances around the front line of Gerth and Dino to strike hard at the snakes.

Quick action for Inspire Courage +4 via Song of White Raven.

Move action to G2 via f3, shouldn't provoke any AoOs.

Target priority: S1 until dead, then S2, then E1

Stone Vice Strike, Power Attack for 2
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2] + immobalize

If dead, Cleave according to target priority
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

[boj0]

Saving throws vs fire for E1 (snakes won't survive all the firepower going their way)
[roll0]

To save time, rolling power/spell resistance for Gerth [roll1]

Save vs Stone Vice from Lok
[roll2]

[boj0]

Is Thosh's fiery burst based on the spell elemental burst? I double checked your sheet and saw it under feats, so I wanted to double check if spell resistance applied.

Rolling vs spell resistance for Thosh (if it's not applicable, we can ignore it)
[roll0]

[NinjaTBB]

Is Thosh's fiery burst based on the spell elemental burst? I double checked your sheet and saw it under feats, so I wanted to double check if spell resistance applied.

It's a reserve feat from Complete Mage, supernatural ability so spell resistance doesn't apply.

[sonofzeal]

DC 16 on the Immobalize, so it passes. Also, can confirm, Reserve Feats are not based on spells and SR doesn't apply.

[boj0]

Ok cool, I always forget Complete Mage is a book, and just assume people talk about Complete Arcane when unique magic stuff happens

The snakes that moved to attack were immediately struck down, as a barrage of magic missiles from Shanlgar tears apart one, while Dino makes a quick snack out of the other, the voice of Lôk giving the group fervor.

Thosh turns the remains of one snake to ash with a blast of fire, but the strange adversary manages to roll under it, taking less of the burst than hoped.

Taking the opportunity to repay the assault, Gerth focuses his mind on the might of the black dragons, the blast hits against the foe, but the power seems to roll off its skin like oil and water.

Elric moves up to aid Lôk, swinging at the creature to distract it from the ashen one.

As Lôk moves up, he takes a mighty swing at the foe, adjusting his weight and balance according to the ancient traditions of the Stone Dragon.

The strike draws blood, and with a scream more like an animal than humanoid, the creature manages to place its hand on a stone, and with strange words, a cloud of darkness expands over the skirmish. Even with their Orcish eyes, it becomes difficult for the Red Claw to see their foe. You hear the creature step backwards, but hard to make out exactly where.

*Darkness spell, 20' radius, centered on H4 cast on a piece of debris, everyone in the area has concealment (20% miss chance)

http://i.imgur.com/fKj8H6G.png
*Let me know if I moved anyone incorrectly

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

So let's make the snakes die
None of them are gonna make it out alive
No they cannot deny
They can hear our mighty battle cry
Goodbye!

Raising the last word of the chorus to a mighty roar, Lôk charges the beast with a brutal overhand blow

Battle Leader's Charge maneuver (+10 damage, no AoO on charge).

Charge to I2, attack E1, still with Power Attack 2.

Miss chance: [roll0], 1-20 misses.

Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

AC -2 from the charge (23 total)

Group buffs:
+4 attack and damage
+2 to will saves
+4 against charms
+8 against fear

[J-H]

As the lizard-creature begins to cast its spell of Darkness, Dino kicks out with a powerful leg, raking it with one of his talons.

Aoo [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
The +4 to hit & damage from bard song is not included in these rolls, and should be added

[boj0]

Before the creature is able to finish conjuring its sphere of darkness, Dino finds an opportunity to assault the food. With a snap and a loud cry, the dinosaur leaves deep gashes in the creature, blood spurting out, with the foe slumping to the ground, trying to literally hold itself together.

Dino knows enough not to start eating without the master's permission, leaving Red Claw to examine the corpse. You don't need much more than than your darkvision to get the gist of its general anatomy and shape, but you don't know in what in the name of all the gods you would call an Elf with the features of a snake...

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh moves closer to the creature once it ceases writhing, he takes a knee to get a closer look at the unusual anatomy trying to find any similarities to things he is familiar with. "Excellent work brothers, already I prefer the wonders of this underground city to those of the above."
Using Collector of Stories skill trick to give a +5 to arcana
Knowledge (arcana): [roll0]
Knowledge (the planes): [roll1]

[Seanfall]

"Is it dead?" Gerth was feeling his way out of the darkness. Shaking his head and getting his sight back. He turned and whistled at the Damage the Dinosuar had caused. "Not bad, and still enough of a corpse to examine. Want me to take a few bones to make a trophy for the Dino?"

[J-H]

Shanlagar
"Nah, this thing was no big threat. Anything on the body?"


K: Arcana [roll0]

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"We may know more once we have examined the body." The ashen orc kneels to examine the body and peruse it for valuables.

Search: [roll0]

Bardic Knowledge: [roll1]. Hopefully someone's fought these things before and lived to brag about it.

[Seanfall]

"Well we can still learn something about it from it's bones. If their brittle, hollow, double jointed that sort of thing. Inbreeding as well depending on if their deformed." The man likes bones, Gerth himself kneels down at the things head and examines it. As it's snake like he wanted to check something by opening it's mouth and running his fingers along the top of it's jaw checking for any retracted fangs or teeth. "I've never heard of Elfs that looked like this before. If it even is an elf."

[boj0]

As the Orcs examine the body, using their extensive knowledge on a variey of subjects have come to a few conclusions:

1) The creature is some breed of Elf, not Yuan-ti, not an aberration, not some mad wizard's attempt at grafting limbs.

2) The snake features seem natural, not the result of a disease or magic; scales in deliberate patches, symmetry in location. Examination of the eyes and jaw reveal they have slitted eyes like most snakes, with the jaw having similar expansion to an Elf, with a bit of room for stretching. Canine teeth seem pronounced, but have no venom glands in the mouth or throat.

3) Creatures normally don't have such features without other adjustments to the body to accommodate. However, the lack of magical residue rules out curses or transformation. It could be a vestigial leftover, from an ancient bloodline, but the Elven features stand out too strong to call it a genetic chimera.

4) There is no knowledge of such Elves among the lands the Red Claw have been to, even with however many breeds they have, snakes have never been a defining feature. Drow have spiders, but this clearly isn't a Drow.
Although, the membrane around the eyes is very similar to a Drow's, with their legendary darkvision...

[Seanfall]

"Well this thing is...a...****ing engima." Gerth looked at his hands and then wiped them on the things robes. "No Venom glands or retractable fangs. And it looks....natural as unnatural as it looks. Some kind of long lost clan?" Gerth kept staring at the thing a moment longer before shaking his head and standing back up.

"I think it's told us all it's gonna. Unless one of you wants to cut it open."

[Pol Detson]

Should we roll some more to get to the spot that is good for starting fires?

[boj0]

Lôk - The ashen orc kneels to examine the body and peruse it for valuables.
Search: [roll0]


While sifting through clothing and pockets instead of body parts, the following is found on the Ellf: 1 Scimitar, torn clothing, belt with pouches (containing what you think is dried rations, but these look almost fossilized), 1 flask of dirty water.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Bah, hardly worth our time. But look at how rancid the food and water is. Perhaps it used to be a surface dweller?" He considered the freakish body. "Well, unless any of you are hungry, perhaps we should be on our way."

[J-H]

Shanlagar

Shanlagar shakes his head. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it's not the only one. Who knows, maybe if we go far enough down, we'll find out that elves come from snakes!"

[boj0]

Aside from what you've found on the body, the old building you are in now appears to have been in disuse for quite some time, the second floor is collapsed into rubble around the ground, rugs and carpets worn away to almost nothing, vases and urns smashed into pieces, everything here feels ancient.

Anyone who steps back outside notices that the exterior is smoothed down by age, the faintest trace of tile and paint flecks only in the deepest of crevasses. "How long has all of this been down here? Elric asks out loud.

[NinjaTBB]

With the combat over for now, Thosh returns to the carvings on the exterior. "Before we move on let me see what I can get out of these symbols." He reaches into his component pouch and produces a pinch of soot. He carefully and purposely spreads the soot over his hand before reaching back into his pouch. With a sharp motion and a few words he mixes a few grains of salt into the soot, a soft glow emanating before both vanish. He then lays a hand on the carvings, as the magic unravels the mystery of their meaning.
This spell will last for 80 minutes in the off chance we find any more mysterious writing.

[boj0]

Something strange happens after you cast the spell, almost as if the spell isn't sure what the writing is supposed to say, in your mind the carvings make sense, but every time you blink it is like the words change for a word with a similar meaning.

After a few confusing seconds, your brain and the spell eventually agree on something like "Florist" or "Herbologist"

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Unless there is something here requiring our attention, let us explore onward. This area seems cleared by others; any valuable items or information would be deeper within."

Apologies if I missed it somewhere, but I'm a bit vague on the geometry of the place. Is it enclosed with occasional tunnels, more cavernous with supporting pillars, or are we going to have to search around a bit to find any way forward?

[boj0]

The "Undercity" is a large, cavernous area; the search teams have explored at least a city block, but the general hypothesis is that it would be substantially larger, perhaps an entire district, or more.
From the initial point of entry to the base camp, the ground declined sharply, and you guess that from your current position, the ceiling would be at least 100 feet or so above you. No walls have been encountered, so the shape of the place is undetermined. Based on the notes given to you, and the layout of the ruins, navigation has some intuitive assumptions, streets and alleys are easy enough to identify, most buildings are crumbled to nothing, but following the notes, and Dino's tracking is bringing you to areas that seem less destroyed.

The Elf blood on Dino's teeth is giving it motivation to hunt, leading the Red Claw further into the ruins. Your skills with magic and various knowledges have led you to believe you're in some area originally for academic pursuits, some of the scrap appears to have been papers, various artistianal devices, and instruments. One of the buildings, a little larger than the others, has the front door collapsed shut, but otherwise looks to be somewhat intact. Dino looks like he could keep going, but does give a few excited yaps near the door, with the engravings reading, "Library".

[Seanfall]

"Is your pet excited because it's found another one of those Elf things or has it found a snack?" Gerth still had his blade at the ready, unwilling to be unarmed after being taken by surprise.

[J-H]

Shanlagar

The older orc laughs. "Either way, it'll be something that bleeds, that lives down here. Maybe we can find something useful in this library, too."


Is the front door the only entrance? Is this up against the edge of the cavern, so that there's no back door?

[boj0]

The main door is collapsed, the right and rear walls do not appear to have any entrances, but the left wall does have a hole large enough for an Orc to make its way through, the hole is on what you would guess was the third floor.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Gerth, you are our best climber by far, but I do not wish you to enter alone. If you climb and exchange places with me, then climb back up, we can explore it together."

[Seanfall]

"Sounds like a plan. You'll want to get as close as you can I'm not sure how high up that is, but the power does have a range limit." Gerth sheathed his sword and cracked his knuckles giving his fingers a stretch before attempting to scale the wall. He was an experienced climber, you had to be in the mountains. But this was a crafted wall, they tended to be smooth. So before he began his climb he removed a length of rope and tied a Grappling hook to the end of it and round it around his shoulder. If he couldn't teleport he could at least provide an anchor for the others.

"Keep an eye on that hole for me too. My focus will be on the climb." With that he began to scale the crumbling wall.



Climb attempt.
[roll0]

[boj0]

With little effort, Gerth is able to climb up the rope to the hole in the wall of the building; as you enter you immediately notice the dozens of books and shelves strewn about the floor. Most of the walls are cracked and the paint is long peeled away and faded. The smell is strong, moldy and musty, with the occasional whiff of refuse. The room is long, at least 50' by 20'; with tables and bookcases sprawled about. You hear the occasional papers rustling, along with some unknown noises coming from the other side of a door on the far end of the room.

[Seanfall]

Gerth takes a moment to breath before securing the grappling hook as best he can and trailing the rest down to the others. He looks at Lok and waves his hand. In his mind he locks on to Lok and visualizes both his and Lok's current placement. Then he simply switches them. Their is no blink or burst of light, simply a feeling of being moved out of place for a moment, and Gerth is back on the ground and Lok is up where he was standing a moment ago.

"The rest of you get your **** together and grab some rope. I ain't doing that for everyone."


Using Dimension Swap to move Lok and Gerth. Assuming he's still okay with that.

Climb again. XD
[roll0]

Or maybe I should roll to aide the others?

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

One moment Lôk was looking up at Gerth on the third floor, and then a brief moment of weightlessness later he found hiself staring at a crumbling stone roof. After just a moment's disorientation he turned back to watch the psychic orc climb back up. "A fascinating trick you have there, Gerth! I look forward to using it to surprise our enemies!"

[boj0]

With a blink, the ashen Orc has switched places with Marroweater; and without missing a beat Gerth gets to work climbing back up the rope.

Should anyone who wishes to climb/fly/teleport up, they will see that the room appears to have been some sort of library (DC 5 Int check) with shelves and papers everywhere. Most are worn beyond legibility, torn and yellowed, exposed to Gruumsh knows what else. Along the walls, a few counters are seen to have some sort of glass containers, beakers and vials; but again, damaged and worn past an easy identification. (DC 10 Craft [alchemy] or DC 15 Heal/Know.[arcana] reveals what they are. Should anyone shuffle through these things, they will notice a sigil,either in a book, or stamped onto something - a yellowish serpent coiled around a stylized Elven face.

One of the walls facing further in has a closed door, wooden, but of a formerly high quality make. The handle is almost impossible to turn, it may also be locked, or simply rusted solid over time. Strength checks, Open Lock checks, or any useful spells may be used.

[Seanfall]

Gerth climbs back up and dusts himself off. "It's been surprisingly useful throughout the years. Swapping places with wounded or fresh warriors to surprise the enemy." Gerth takes a look around, "I think this place was a library." He started looking around flipping through things and examining bits and baubles. The glass containers he stayed away from. Those things never worked out for him, lifting one of the books he found that Sigil stamped into it. "And that cold tingling down my spine begins again."


Int Check
[roll0]

[J-H]

Shanlagar
"Dino, stay. Guard." The predator hisses acknowledgement, and slinks off to find a partly-hidden place to watch the base of the rope from.

Shanlagar ascends without much difficulty, and immediately identifies the room as some sort of library. He slowly moves around the room, examining things. "I think I know what is in these vials. It'll come to me in a moment..."

"And this snake-elf sigil - what we fought earlier may have lived here long ago, or may have been made here. We will see more of them."

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"This icon is of note. We are dealing not with a mutation, but of an ancient form, whether a precursor to the modern elves or an offshoot like the Raptoran vermin that pollute the skies in the Glithien Cliffs. Let us conclude our business here quickly though. I do not like this place."

Int check: [roll0]

Strength check on door: [roll1]

[NinjaTBB]

Thosh ascends the structure last, the rope ensuring the climb is easy. Seeing his companions preoccupied with the various findings in the room, he turns to the aged documents, sifting through them for anything legible while his spell of comprehension remains. "Good to hear you arrived at a similar conclusion. It certainly makes sense if the elven scum are indeed descendants of belly crawling serpents." He lets out a soft chuckle.

[roll0] INT
[roll1] Search amongst the documents, Comprehend Languages ensuring anything legible can be understood.

[Seanfall]

Gerth put down the book, and collected the rope. "Sure your okay with your Pet down there?" Gerth couldn't see the Dinosaur anymore so either it was well hidden or like the previous ambush his senses where simply failing him again.

"I was going to suggest that it was from some sort of demonic pact. But from the looks of things it seems a culture was built around it. So perhaps more long term breeding. Like how we breed Worgs for riding and Wolfs for companions. Different stock for different purposes."

[boj0]

The group has come to some similar conclusions: whatever strain of Elf these are, they appear to be ancient, and unheard of to the world. Healing checks reveal that the laboratory equipment was used to test..flesh, possibly? Any residue would be long since deteriorated, but the notes and the other writings you can find roughly match up to a solution - whatever turned them into these snake breeds was powerful magic, beyond mortal power, they were testing ways to reverse the process. This leads to the next mystery: the icon, obviously spiritual, perhaps even religious in nature depicts a connection between the Snake and the Elf, was this created before or after the transformation? This sigil is not related to any religions or cults that you know of, and no captured Elves have ever begged a filthy snake for aid. However the one thing that stands out is a scrap of text in a book underneath a dusty skeleton, the spell to understand this script is doing its best, most of it relates to some historical and geographic names that make no sense at all, the terms used for various alchemical and arcane materials and concepts are drastically removed from any you know, as if magic to these people was discovered and analyzed in an alien mindset. The last few pages are more of a personal entry than any measured list or ritual, a passage that translates to:

"No matter what we do, we cannot reach out to Her, these scorching sands feel cold to our priestesses, this sun is not warm but blinding, it kills our beautiful gardens and dries out our fountains. We reach out to Her and we only feel pain and venom in our minds, has our goddess abandoned us, have we displeased Her? The heretics sought to steal from our temple to Her, they were banished but we still find ourselves in this strange land, cut off from everything. Maybe the fact that they were able to trespass was blasphemy enough? After the prayers were made to banish the foul demons, we found ourselves here, in this cursed desert."

The next few pages are too damaged to read.

"Something went wrong, but what? The last bit of power our priestess had was supposed to bring us home, but instead of our islands and trees, the city of the Southern Humans - Senteal, came crashing down upon us, many were killed. We reach out to the goddess and she laughs at our misfortune, the sun is now no longer burning our eyes, but our home is in ruins, cruel fate indeed. The magicians are working to try anything, but they say that magic is wrong in these sands, it is almost impossible to perform the tasks that they used to be able to perform with ease."

The next entry is almost a totally different handwriting: "The snakes, emissaries of our goddess, do not carry their divinity here, try as we may to commune, they stay silent, little more than beasts here. When we invoke the goddess, she seems displeased that we use her holy vessel, but we now seem to carry the blood of the snake even closer, our eyes have adapted to this dark existence we now have, and our skin is protected by the glimmering scales, perhaps all of this is a test of faith?"

The final entry is scrawled in the pen strokes of a madman: "This is no test, this is a punishment. Our goddess has abandoned us, conflict has broken out between those too blind to see it, and those of us who wish to be free of her machinations. What madness is it that our people turn into mindless beasts for worshiping her? What utter cruelty is it that her few priestesses demand blood sacrifices to appease her? If this is truly is the wish of the divine, then we must abandon her, for our own lives, the other alchemists and I have been working tirelessly to break the curse she put on us, we have done our best to remove her holy symbol, but our equipment is too valuable to destroy just now. We have locked ourselves away in the library, working endlessly to find a way to free our people. I fear it is not enough, I fear our goddess has gone mad with vengeance against us, should I be killed by zealots before my work is finished, I wish for my last written words to curse her, and to inspire anyone who reads this to do the same - I curse you Lolth, you deserve only disgust, never our love. May you be strangled by your own serpent."

[Seanfall]

"...." Gerth blinked a few times, then rubbed his eyes before speaking. "Well...I thought we'd find something interesting and here it is. Odd though....I thought for sure that Lolth was a spider."

[NinjaTBB]

"I have a theory for that." Thosh flips back and forth through the pages as he analyzes them. "I'm far from a religious orc, but my particular interests require some understanding of the workings of the elemental planes. Take, for instance, the plane of fire. Largely similar to this one, except everything is ablaze. There are a few other differences but that being the most prominent one." He sets the papers down and begins pacing along the wall. "Now imagine a plane, even more similar to ours. But without the existence of the Underdark. Imagine that on this plane, the exiled elves then retreat into a large overgrown jungle, the Overgrowth, if you will." He then turns to the elf and snake sigil. "On our plane Lolth is a spider because they are in abundance in the Underdark. In the Overgrowth, what might be a more suitable creature to appear to your followers as?" He trails off with the rhetorical question, the gears in his brain turning furiously.

[Seanfall]

"An Axe." Gerth said dryly. "Oh wait no I'm like an Orc...in this cause I'm guessing a snake. Planer traveling elves wonderful."

[boj0]

As the other Red Claws are extrapolating ideas and trying to figure out what these new Elves really are, Lok notices the door is stuck in place. With a deep breath and a solid kick, he knocks the rust loose.

Should Lok wish to open the door, he will discover that the hallway past the door runs roughly 10ft to his left and 30ft to his right, the walls are cracked and peeling. Directly across from the room you are in is another door, the hall to the right has a bend to it that looks like it would lead back towards the "front" of the building from where you first arrived.

The various theories and ideas all lead to a similar conclusion, that these Elves are from some other plane of existence, the local architecture and script is unseen anywhere else, the references to geography and history match nothing you know of your own world, the notes and terms for magic make no sense to how your knowledge or either the arcane or divine works. It is possible that these Drow worshiped some strange, alien version of the goddess Lolth. When they cast a banishment spell, it is possible that some mishap occurred and sent the Drow to another plane as well, and when they prayed to the version of Lolth that you are familiar with, well, she took care of these wayward Elves in her own particular way.

[J-H]

Shanlagar

"I think we know what happened here.

Well, what's through the door?"

[Seanfall]

Gerth took up position behind and to the side of Lok drawing his sword should he need it.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"Onward, then!" Glaive at the ready, the grey-skinned orc heads down the mysterious passage.

[boj0]

As you make your way out into the hallway, the air feels just a bit colder, like a sudden breeze; hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. The floorboards are creaking with every step taken, and the walls feel like they could collapse down on you at any moment.

If you choose to check out the door across the way, it requires another Strength/Open Lock check. Otherwise the way to the right is open.

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

"I mistrust this building. We should perhaps leave after the next room." Lôk tries the door to see if it'll easily open. If not, he'll look to the right to see if there's anything of note.

Str: [roll0]

[boj0]

Hit the DC on the dot; muhahahaha

As Lok approaches the door, he swallows his caution and grabs the ornate handle, the age on the frame plain as day, even in the blackness. For just a second the door seems like it won't open, time and mystery hiding the room forever, but just the slightest bit of extra effort from the grey one snaps the rusted pins holding the lock.

The door creaks open, and a soft, almost non-existent, pale light spills out, like an scholar's candle on its last moment. As the door fully opens, you see into the room, like a hurricane had gown through, papers strewn about, books opened and flung around like leaves, shelves and tables pushed to the walls; with the exception of one corner with a desk and chair neatly tucked away, the skeleton of the last resident draped over a book, with a small orb of magical light right above the desk.

The two things that grab your attention are the blade driven through the skeleton's back, and the transparent Elf floating next to the body, mumbling something to itself.



EDIT: As the door finishes opening, the creaking and moaning of its hinges lets out a sharp screech as the rust on the frame catches. The ghostly figure snaps its head around at unnatural speed, the eyes are pools of black hatred, the lower jaw hanging lower than any humanoid you've seen. It begins to slither towards you...

[roll]1d20+15

[boj0]

[roll0]

Ok, it doesn't like me adding rolls to posts

[sonofzeal]

Lôk

Spirit hunter bring it on
Mindful journey set it off
Inner demons let them go
Revelations are about to unfold

Warden - Wu Jen - Magic spells tear ghosts apart
Black Fang - Gerth's Blade - Magic swords tear ghosts apart
Spellbreak - Beast Friend - Magic spells tear ghosts apart
I stand - Drive forth - Endure

We are, we fight, as one
We bleed, we kill, we die!
(tune (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGYCb_t74Dg))

Even without offensive magic or weapons that could harm a ghost, Lôk trusts his companions to bring the pain as he gestures menacingly at the spirit.

Lôk's got nothing that'll actually hurt a ghost, so he's going to sing as a quick action, then advance and make a show of threatening it with his non-magical glaive while focusing on keeping himself safe by fighting defensively.


Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] <- probably incapable of damaging it.

Touch AC: 16

Group buffs:
+4 attack and (weapon or weapon-like spell) damage
+2 to will saves
+4 against charms
+8 against fear

[Seanfall]

"Make some space Lok, I don't want to hit you too." Gerth moves into the room giving himself space to strike, his blade comes down in an arc. He's not sure if this thing IS a ghost or just another mutation to these weird elves. Gerth moves into the room, blade up aiming at the ghost ready to strike should it charge him.



[roll0]

Damage [roll1]

I'd like to move to F5

[Seanfall]

Greater Pisonic weapon: Melee weapon deals +4d6
[roll0]

Deep Impact: The above attack is resolved as a touch attack.

[boj0]

http://i.imgur.com/TBnx7al.jpg
Post which squares you move into on Red Claw's turn.
On the apparition's turn it will let out a moan but not move from its spot.

[J-H]

Shanlagar

Shanlagar moves to the doorway where he can see the ghost, staying as far from it as possible. Knowing that it's incorporeal, he fires several bolts of pure magic at it.


Magic Missile [roll0]

[sonofzeal]

Move to h5 as part of my turn then